Nopesport

Under Starters orders...

Whilst Thierry Gueorgiou was winning in Spain and Matt Crane was moving up the world rankings in Portugal, the equally prestigious N. Ireland score championships was being held in Co Tyrone. The venue for the competition is Lough Bradan which is a new map to the N. Irish orienteering circuit making it a level playing field cutting out the local knowledge aspect for this event.

This however did not affect the overall winners as it was the Linton couple who came away with the overall mens and women trophies. Despite no fewer than eight other people matching his score, Steven Linton gathered the 540 points total over 3mins quicker than 2nd placed Ivan Millar. When questionning how Steven won by such a margin, 'He took the risks. The new map looks more green that it actually is and he cut the corners... he was flying too!' commented Raymond Finlay, FERMO. Young Patrick Higgens took 3rd spot, leading the way for the Juniors.

Violet Linton took the spoils in the womens race with an unmatchable 470 points total. An impressive performance from FERMO junior Ciara Largey earned her 2nd place with Heather Cairns LVO taking 3rd.

The Event was followed by prize-giving and the NIOA AGM at Omagh.

Full list of results can be found here

Steven Linton, winner!