The second event of the Bendigo Orienteers Bush Classic season took place on Saturday on the popular Newer St Mungo map. The weather was spectacular as were the courses set by Daryl Fleay. Competitors took advantage of the slightly shorter distances with 19 electing for a course 1 and few competitors choosing the 1.4km or 1.9km courses.
With some many competitors choosing the longer courses it meant lots of people got controls in the south west of the map and with thick vegetation there were plenty of battle scars, mispunches and dnfs.
Places 2 through 5 were close on course 1, but Bryan Keely was a clear winner 6 minutes ahead of Richard Goonan with Ben Goonan coming third. The big spread in times for course one showed how important it was to be spot on with technique with so much vegetation.
The fastest runner on course 2 was Glenn James in just over 40 minutes with Lachlan Cherry and Jenny Bourne close together for second and third. Course 3 had a big field of competitors, but only 3 seconds separated Rueben Cameron in first and Peter Prime in second.
Runners on course four were few, but there was no lack of competition between first and second with Karina Cherry getting the goods on Caitlyn Steer in the end. The fastest time on course 5 was Lil & Jan Baxter.
Good luck to all the teams competing in the relays at Eppalock on 29th of March and in South Australia over Easter. The Bush Classic continues on the 11th of April in Mandurang.
Results and HERE Splits are HERE Check how you are going in the overall standings. Best 11 of 20 scores to count
Glenn and Lachlan at last years Australian Schools Champs
Jason Carter
