Some events are memorable for the results, some for the beautiful forest, some for technical navigation or nice views. The 2023 CompassSport Final held at New Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean on November 12th will probably be remembered for the mud, the rain, the mist and the slippery, the scary descents down stick covered coal tips or the paths churned up by forestry machines. If you ask anyone who was there, it will probably be the first thing they mention.
For a gallant Wrekin team the result was a case of what might have been. Despite many great individual results and performances on the day, the team was hit by illness and injury in key classes. Whist our usual good performers ran solidly, our single individual class winner scoring maximum 100 points was Kryzstof Nowicki on the Short Brown course. This was ably backed up by Clive Richardson, Marcus Tett, Adrian Pickles, Mike Goldthorpe, Di Jacks and Harriet Allinson who all scored 90 or above. What was also great to see were the next level of scores from Katie Lewis, Eva Spurling, Marian White and Janet Hill.
We were short of runners on some courses which lowered our score. However, you can’t plan for injury or illness, both of which had a significant effect on our overall result. Without those on a cautious estimate we could easily have been 3rd. If as Team Captain, I had taken a chance and entered some of our M50, W55 and M60 competitors on Brown, Short Brown or Blue ladies we might have been 6th or 7th, but it is a big step up to try and score with no guarantee it will work. Hindsight is the best thing when it comes to judging these things. But I can confidently write that with no injuries or illness and perfect team selection we could have won, easily. If you feel like doing further analysis and sharing your ideas all the results are available on the BOK website.
Next year’s competition starts with a Qualifying Heat in February. Because we are a small club with a very definite demographic we need everyone to turn out if possible. It would also be nice to find some more younger members i.e. under 50, but anyone of any age would be welcome to join in the fun. We have good examples in our team of relative newcomers contributing to the club score so if you have friends who might be persuaded, get them signed up!
Next up, West Midlands League final event at Sutton Park on December 12th. We are in with a serious chance of winning this competition, so if you haven’t put it in your diary please do. More details in the next article.
Adrian Pickles
Wrekin Orienteers Club Captain
