Pendle Forest Orienteers reach the Compass Sport Trophy Final.

Pendle Forest Orienteers the local orienteering club covering the area from Clitheroe to Colne have once again reached the final of the Compass Sport Trophy. This is the most prestigious trophy in inter- orienteering club competition in the UK for small clubs

This year’s heat for Northwest clubs was held at Watergrove Reservoir near Rochdale on Sunday 16^th January in appalling conditions of heavy rain and cold winds. A fair number of the runners had already endured similar conditions the previous evening at the Northern Night Championships but on that occasion they were competing in the dark and having to cross streams which had become rushing torrents.

The Pendle Forest Team consisted of 34 runners from ages of 70+ down to 11yrs. 22 out of the 33 runners scored over 90 points(out of an available 100) showing  great strength for a small club. Many of our younger adults weren’t available due to being away at university or working. Our junior boys’ team of Jamie Hoyle and Jack Cryer did very well scoring 192 points between them but it was the over fifties men who really made the difference.

               The Yeomans family from Rossendale turned out in strength to support their club. Helen, Allan and Sarah all contributed towards PFO’s win. Several BRGS Orienteers also contributed to the final club winning score. George Tanner of BRGS completed his Yellow course in the fastest time giving him his first victory since joining the club last September.

The club is now preparing for the finals at Longshaw near Chesterfield on 16th October. Lead Coach Hamish Willis is hoping that more members and people new to the sport will attend club nights at Newchurch Primary School Rawtenstall to improve their  fitness and technical skills. The club night is open to everyone especially welcomes beginners to the sport. Orienteering is ideal for families as everyone can take part at their own level and speed.