After the sprint qualifying heats on Saturday morning SN had several contenders for medals in the afternoon finals. In W50, both Sue Bett and Mel Slade had won their heats and were therefore the last starters in their final. They both kept their nerve among the split-level complexity of the Bath campus, with Mel taking the victory and Sue holding on for equal third. There was also a silver medal in W10 for Charlotte Slade and a gold in M45 for SN local member Richard Barrett (BAOC).
On Sunday it was a return to the forest in the highly technical coniferous plantation of Stockhill. Former mining activity has left the ground covered in gullies, pits and small hills, requiring careful map reading and accurate distance judgement. We had many good top 10 performances, and secured two more bronze medals - Charlotte Slade in W10 and Laurence Townley in M45. Vincent's birthday chocolates were the consolation prize for those who missed out on the podium.
Well done to all who took part, at what must be one of the best championship weekends in recent years - smooth organisation, great venues with navigational challenge and good spectator appeal, and near-perfect weather.