Forest League
Young Wood preview
ancient oaks at Piddle Wood (to S of area)
Credit:
Nick Chipchase
We have a new venue for our third Forest League event of the season and everything still to play for in the league. With three scoring runs still available, people who haven't run yet could still win in each of the seven leagues.
As is the case in most seasons, there is a strong possibility we could see a new name on all-but-one of our forest-sourced trophies. Those early leaders are all local runners:
- Jim Mallinson on Green
- Chris Hasler on Short Green
- Mike Crockett on Light Green
- Andrew Page on Orange
- Sue Toomer on Yellow
- Miles Modica on White
In fact, the only former winner (and non-QO) currently leading any one course is Devon OC's Ben Chesters on Blue.
Of course, there are others out there who may make a late run. Don't be surprised if the identities of the leaders change after the Young Wood event.
A more realistic ambition for many is chasing a podium place, which brings the recognition of a certificate at the year end. Finishing third, especially on popular courses like Green, can actually feel like a real achievement.
With some of the league's strongest regular competitors likely to be drawn to Sunday's regional events in Cornwall and the Forest of Dean, there should be a better prospect of doing well for those competing at Young Wood.
Our planner
Robert Green always likes a good technical challenge with his orienteering and has been enthused by discovering some good, previously under-utilised pieces of woodland for inclusion in his courses.