It was nearly a case of déja vu at this years Club Championships, with the Maxwell family again taking the first three places at Bowhill.
Karen took the top spot by a very convincing margin, her orienteering skills and speed clearly improving from last years runner up position to sister Kirstin. However, Kirstin also produced a great run 90 seconds faster than last year for the same number of controls to finish third, with mum Eileen splitting the sisters. First man, John Tullie, was also considerably faster than last year, retaining 4th place. The planner had unfortunately forgotten Jim Knoxs coming of age and should have made allowances in the handicapping, but the bus pass would have been of no help at Bowhill!
The weather was a lot kinder for this years race, which the organiser much appreciated and which made conditions ideal for the good turnout on the colour-coded courses, run in parallel to the Club race.
It was good to see new faces, including some who had travelled from Edinburgh, and a strong contingent from Gordon, following the event at Gordon Community Woods a few weeks ago, all successfully completing what were quite long Yellow and Orange courses. Hopefully, confidence will grow as more events are completed, and with local events at Walkerburn next Sunday 17th February and the Wednesday evening events starting in April, there will be more opportunities locally to enjoy the sport.
After the race club members enjoyed soup and a blether before the more serious business of the AGM. Karen Maxwell was duly presented with the Club Championships trophy, Douglas Tullie won the “Junior of the Year” and Lindsey Knox accepted the Club Achievement trophy.
Thanks to all for coming.