Event report: Bush 8

This Long Distance State Orienteering League event took us back to the scene of last year’s National event, but with very different weather conditions. Instead of very hot and sunny, the forecast was for up to 25mm of rain, but fortunately that rain stayed mainly around Perth and the South-West with just a few showers reaching Avon Valley.

Setter Liisa Hirvonen and Controller Tony Simpkins found some different terrain to that used at Kambarang, although the longer courses had to use some of the same areas. However, the courses mostly avoided the green and provided good running in Wandoo gully/spur country, with straightish route choices generally being the best option.

The Dufty family, fresh from a European O tour, dominated proceedings by winning H1 (Liam), H2 (Craig) and H3 (Amy), with Rachel in 2nd place on H2. Liam maintained his lead in the State League Senor Men standings, while Rachel overtook Kate Braid to lead the Senior Women. Archie Brownlie won The H4 course and took a narrow lead in the very tight competition for Junior Men in the SOL.

There are many routes available to watch on Livelox, the highlights being the battles between Mark Lommers and Riley McFarlane on leg 4-5 in H1 and Koralia Daskalaki and Matt Erasmus over the whole M course.

Many thanks to a small contingent of LOST orienteers who braved the rain and the temptations of the European summer to help out, with very special thanks to three kind souls from KO who stepped into the breach. Jennifer Binns was an efficient Organiser, Dave Pass, Wendy Hobley, and John and Janine Taylor all helped to set up the Assembly and Start – including the very necessary shelters – and helped to take it all down again, while Melinda Richards did results. Rosemary Kullmann and Richard Matthews were on hand to help any newcomers, and control collectors were the Lommers family, Noel Schoknecht, Mike Howe, Volker Gartz, and John and Janine Taylor. 

A big thank you to the course setter Liisa Hirvonen and event controller Tony Simpkins.

Results can be found on Eventor.
Check Livelox to see route choices taken by various orienteers.

Photo: Starting at Avon Valley, taken by Tony Simpkins.