Uringa News: March 2023

The Southern Highlands Double Header.

Uringa was charged with staging the events that opened the winter bush season. Running 2 events in 2 days was an task that stretched any club to its limits but in true “Uringan” fashion we had members who stepped up. The team was brilliant.

Saturday 25^th March Chevalier College- Burradoo (Bowral)

We were fortunate to be able to use this map as our original choice, WSU at Bankstown was closed and sold off. A huge thank you to Lyn Malmgron for not only mapping the college but also assisting with the negotiations with the college.

First time course setter, Serena Doyle did an amazing job with the courses. There was an absolute avalanche of positive comments. The courses were technically difficult with many twists and turns – a challenge but great fun! Serena was aided by dad, Shane and controller Dave Lotty. Dave also completed map corrections.

Unfortunately the event was held with on again off again rain showers which made life pretty wet and uncomfortable for the start team. However they stuck to their tasks and handled the start brilliantly. The finish and rego teams were happily ensconced undercover. Did I say it was around 16 degrees!

This event was the NSW Sprint Championships and Uringa was fortunate enough to have 3 winners. Maggie Mackay W16A, Linda Sesta in W55A and Curtis Millar M21AS. It was great to see Curtis back orienteering. He took out Orienteer of the Year in M21As in 2022 then unfortunately had a nasty ankle injury later in the season.

Jonathan Nolan M16A was a meagre 4 seconds behind the winner in second along with Ori Gudes M45As, and Melanie Christie W50A. Wayne Eliot rounded of the place getters with a 3^rd in M21A.

Controls collected, cars packed and we were driving out of the grounds by 3.30pm.

A very damp Wayne

Linda on the run

One of the courses with a map flip

Side 2

Ori -slightly wrong way up!

Maggie -1st in W16A

Jonno- so close mmm where did I lose 4 seconds

Sunday 26^th March – Beyond Rocklea – Belanglo State Forest

Fortunately the day dawned overcast, a little warmer and no rain. A relief for the start team as they could remain dry whilst working.

This was another case of original map – no go with Beyond Rocklea the fall back. Unfortunately, the heavy rains of 2022 played havoc with pine forest stability with many trees falling not only within the forest compartments but across access roads resulting in the forest being closed. Beyond Rocklea is eucalypt on the western edge of Belanglo.

First time course setter Ant Nolan had a tough task in presenting courses in what was a significantly greener map than previous use. Along with Controller, Peter Meyer ( SHOO) they made a number of trips to the forest.

As was prewarned it was always going to be a tough day at the office but sensibly the courses avoided taking competitors into the valleys but remained on the cliff lines above. It was a heck of a baptism into the world of course setting. It was a bit of a family affair with Will and Jane assisting with turning on controls as the sun rose.

At close of play Uringa featured 5 winners with Curtis #1 in M21AS, as was Dave Lotty Open easy, Linda Sesta W55A, Sue Bolton EOD Easy and Jonathan Nolan in M16A.

Out in the bush for her first ever bush event, Frances Richards was a smiling second in Women Open B. Loved the comment at the finish – “I would have never considered going into the bush – but with a map it seemed natural to do”. Jim Mackay was 3^rd home in M60A and Maggie Mackay was also 3^rd in W16A.

As was mentioned earlier it was a tough day at the office for all. It was probably the first real challenge for the competitors after a summer season of parklands and streets. Few competitors on Hard courses finished in under 60 mins.

The part of bush events which is a real mind and body breaker is control collection. Ant had only used 35 controls, but it still took a number of weary club members quite a while to bring them in.

Unfortunately, there was an injury to a competitor which resulted in an ambulance being called. Fortunately, prompt action by orienteers in alerting our first aiders and speedy responses by Sue and Aldo had the patient attended to and kept warm whilst waiting for the paramedics. The Ambulance was amazingly fast arriving. As part of the review of what transpired it was great to see that the emergency plans worked seamlessly. The injured competitor was checked over and allowed home later in the afternoon. Thank you to Hamish and Amanda Mackie for assisting in transporting both car and patient back to Sydney. Just as an aside the last two events we have run in Belanglo have both resulted in an ambulance being called.

Once again the band of Uringans maintained a sense of humour during the set up and subsequent running of the event and the best part packing up.

When you look back over the weekend it was quite a buzz for a small group of Uringans staging two highly successful events in challenging conditions and terrains. Well done to all.