A top class elite field, including the WOC team there to kick off its preparation for Denmark, competed in Orange/Eugowra in the NSW state league.

Saturday’s middle distance race was held in pine plantation at Macquarie Woods South where fast running and few errors were the order of the day. Rune Olsen showed that he felt right at home in the pines by putting up the fastest time of the day followed closely by Troy De Haas with Grant Bluett coming in a solid third. Hanny Allston maintained her excellent form in beating the quality field by nearly four minutes. Grace Elson led the rest of the field home followed by Anna Sheldon.

Sunday’s long distance race provided a considerably tougher challenge on the rocky slopes at Seldom Seen Central near Eugowra. That didn’t make any difference to Hanny Allston who took out the women’s class by nearly 8 minutes followed again by Grace Elson who was five minutes ahead of third placed Anna Sheldon.

Grant Bluett showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with, winning by three minutes over a tightly bunched men’s field. You could have thrown a blanket over the next five men who were within less than a minute of each other. Dave Shepherd took second followed by Troy De Haas, Robbie Preston, Eric Morris and Andy Hogg who showed excellent form on both days.

You can find results at www.goldseekers.org and www.garingal.nsw.orienteering.asn.au