A LAKELAND Orienteering Club team depleted by exams, injuries and holidays travelled to outside King's Lynn in Norfolk on Sunday for the final of the British premier inter-club event - the compass Sport Cup.

The team put up a brave fight, but in order to have three scoring competitors in each of the seven classes, a number of them had to run up a class and were unable to beat the younger opposition, although team captain and veteran orienteer, Carol McNeill, came an excellent fourth behind three competitors half her age in the ladies' open.

The team found it tough after the long coach trip south and in an area - a bracken-filled forest with lots of paths - sadly lacking in hills and suiting southern pacing skills and running speed.

The only course winner for Lakeland was GB international Ed Nash on the men's open but the under-14 team of Ross Thistlethwaite (3rd in the class), Mike McIver and Charlotte Bragg (all from Ulvverston Victoria School) had the highest team score for their class.

The other best-placed LOC members in their respective classes were Michael Bragg (5th), Nick Howlett (6th), Beryl Offley (6th) and Derek Fryer (14th).

On Bank Holiday Saturday, local orienteers competed in the Scottish Championships at Glen Truim. There were wins for Jim Young (M70L), Verena Johnston (W65L), Derek Allison (M45S), Clare Evans (W45S), Angela Heppenstall (W60S), Dale Childs (M14B) and Michaela Williamson (W14B). Steve Burge was third on M60L, Maurice Collett second on M75L and Annaliese Sales third on W16A.

June 3, 2003 16:30