More than 90 members travelled to the West Midlands over Easter weekend to compete in this year's JK competition. Despite the severe weather conditions, SYO members performed out of their skins to produce 22 individual medallists and 6 team relay podium positions -  a truely fabulous club achievement!

The weekend began on Good Friday with the Sprint event at the Stafford MoD. Whilst the navigation was technically easy, the racing was fast and furious and those that topped the results list proved they could perform under pressure. Well done to Robbie (1st M10), Anna (1st W10), Ella (2nd W10), Conrad (3rd M12), Freya (2nd W12), Imogen (1st W14), Pippa (3rd W20), Judy (2nd W65) and Peter G (3rd M70).

Saturday saw the start of the JK overall individual competition with the middle race at Brereton Spurs. Despite overcast skies and freezing temperatures, the day stayed dry. The orienteering was physically and technically demanding and there were many top performances by SYO members. Robbie, Oscar, Conrad, Euan, Andy P, Charlie A, Brian, Anna, Charlotte, Freya, Imogen, Pippa, Amanda & Jenny P all held top 3 positions overnight.

On Sunday the JK moved to Beaudesert for the classic distance and the 2nd day of the overall individual competition. Although the orienteering was not too technically demanding, the courses provided a significant physical challenge and keeping concentration to the very end was key to a good race.

Well done to JK Champions Robbie Lightfoot (M10) and Freya Tryner (W12) who triumphed after 2 tough days in the forest. Congratulations also to silver medallists Charlotte Chapman (W10), Conrad Reuber (M12), Euan Tryner (M14), Jenny Peel (W50), Charlie Adams (M50) and Peter Gorvett (M70) and bronze medallists Anna Todd (W10), Oscar Peel (M10), Pippa Dakin (W20), Andy Preston (M40) and Amanda Crawshaw (W45). There were also good runs on the short classes for Mark C (1st M50S), Louise P (2nd W40S) and Wendy (1st W55S).

Monday saw a return to Beaudesert for the relays. The day dawned with the shock of snow which was particularly challenging for those travelling form Sheffield - well done to those that made it. The snow made the parking field unusable so there were long queues and on arrival at the arena competitors were faced with a quagmire! This didn't faze members of SYO though....

In the Mini Relay Robbie, James and Freya won by a very impressive 6 minutes, whilst Ella, Oscar and Charlotte grabbed 3rd spot just 2 seconds ahead of 4th despite Charlotte falling in the mud on the run in but a quick return to 2 feet kept her in front. In the Junior Relay Sam C, Conrad and Euan had an equally impressive win by over 6 minutes. It was also really great to see our M18s finish 2nd in Men's Short relay - Ryan, Seb and Dom ran incredibly well against experienced adults. It was close in the Senior Women's relay with Amanda, Jenny J and Jenny P holding off SN by 30 seconds. In the Senior Men's relay Nick B, Andy P and Oli ran impressively to win over long term rivals FVO.

A special mention must go to our members competing at their first JK. There were some very impressive performances in tough conditions. Let's hope the weather gods smile kindly on us at the remainder of this year's major competitions. The next big race is the Northern Champs on 22nd April - entries close on 8th. 

Sunday 11th March was Compass Sport Cup competition time with qualifying heats held up and down the country. This year it was SYO's turn to host the heat for this part of the country. Surprisngly only 2 other clubs, in the cup competition for large clubs, chose to attend our heat but there were 6 clubs competing in the trophy competition for smaller clubs.

Organiser Paul Bradbury found a fabulous new hardstanding car park and assembly area close to the start and finish. He also managed to organise the first warm and sunny day in months which encouraged people to hang around and sample the delights of the SYO Junior refreshment stand.

Canklow is a small but interesting area comprising of a sloped deciduous woodland and a narrow strip of complex quarry workings. Colin Lynch planned interesting courses that criss crossed the area resulting in some fast and furious racing. 

SYO fielded a large team with 87 competing in the competition courses. It was fabulous to see so many club members doing their bit including lots of newer members taking part in their first CSC competition. SYO won by 20 points over DVO sealing a place in the final on Cannock Chase on 21st October. DVO also qualify as we finished in the top 3 at the final last year so a good result for both clubs!

Congratulations to the 5 course winners - Jenny P, Al B, Freya T, Dom D and Kim B who scored 100 points each - and the other 20 scorers - Charlie A, Laura G, Andy P,  Mark C, Aislinn P, Janet A, Seb M,  Jamie L, Imogen P, Judy J, Paul B, Jenny J, Paul J, Jenny L, Matthew M, Paul T, Bill H, Pauline T, Henry M, James B, Naomi T, William G, Alex E and Nick L. Well done even if you didn't score as your contribution pushes down the scores of our competitors.

In the Trophy competition EPOC were the victors in a tight competition between the smaller clubs, also securing a place in the final.

Thank you to everyone who helped particularly Paul, Colin, Pete and Brian for fulfilling the major official roles. Thank you also to Jacky & Dom for co-ordinating the cake stall and raising £270 for the SYO juniors.

Meanwhile, across the Channel, 8 members of SYO were doing their bit for England competing in the Interland competition in the Netherlands.

The whole SYO contingent aquitted themselves brilliantly. Well done to course winners Nick B (M40) and Euan T (M14). There were also great results for Sam C (4th M14), Max M (5th M14), Ryan E (11th M20), Amanda (5th W40), Lucy W (7th W40), Martin (6th M50) and Sam F (ShUOC 8th M20). We missed them at the CSC heat - thankfully there will be no country call up clashes with the final!

Time Lapse Photo of torchlights on Merthyr Mawr BNC 2018 courtesy of Siobhan Locke

A number of dedicated SYO members travelled to compete in the British Night Champs on the extremely challenging sand dunes of Merthyr Mawr and were rewarded with a number of podium positions. Well done to British Night Champions Jenny Peel (W40), Amanda Crawshaw (W45), Dave Peel (M50) and Peter Gorvett (M70) - fab results on a very technically difficult area! Congratulations also to silver medallists Charlie Adams (M50) and Louise Adams (W20) and bronze medallist Nick Barrable (M21). Lesley Ward also had a great run winning W45S.