Event Report: MetrO 6 Applecross

Jeff Joseph Reserve, The Strand, Applecross

After a number of events held in hot conditions, Event 6 of the MetrO series in Applecross enjoyed cooler weather. About 100 participants took on the courses that featured the picturesque river foreshore and jacaranda-lined streets. It was especially great to see a large number of newcomers giving orienteering a go, including many juniors.

There were some tight finishes between several runners. Rohan Braid put in a massive final sprint to deny Duncan Sullivan top spot on the short course, with Ruby Phillips and her friend not far behind. The father-daughter pair of Nick and Zali Dale dominated the medium course, while the long course was won by newcomer Mitchell Crook and Sophie Giles.

Of course, special thanks go the course setters for an enjoyable afternoon of orienteering: Ruben and Sten Claessens. Thanks also go to Ceri and Dave Pass for meeting and greeting participants and Ceri for providing the newcomer briefing. Control collecting was made easy with the help of a very large group of KO-members: Jenny, John, Dave, Wendy, Matthew, Susan, Zac, Joseph, Tim, Brad, Jocelyn, Ceri, Kate, Rohan, Ruben and Eugene and family. Thanks to all of them, as well as to Ian, Jan, Lois and Rob for help with packing up, to Melinda and Rosalie for handling registration and results, and to everyone else we have forgotten to mention.