The 2013 Wimborne Club League season ended with the SOC event at Busketts Lawn on 8 December. It was an exciting finish, particularly in the Junior Girls section where the top two positions changed at the last minute! Final 2013 placings are now online.
Congratulations to our four champions - Sue Hands, Elizabeth Horsler, Chris Branford and Darren Whittingham - and everyone else who took part. 84 WIM members appear in the tables, a slight increase on last year's 81.
In the first half of the year, the Senior Men's competition was a multiway tussle between Steven Horsler, Richard Brightman, Chris Branford, Keith Henderson, Martin Cross and Chris Turner. Richard was the early leader, then for many months it was Steve, but in November he was overtaken by Chris Branford. Chris held onto his lead and won by 22 points, making this his second successive year as champion.
Sue Hands was the runaway Senior Women's champion, finishing 129 points clear of runner-up Tamsin Horsler. Sue faced serious early challenges from Tamsin and Sally Calland, indeed Tamsin remained in contention all season, but Sue's perfect 100s in nine(!) events guaranteed her victory. Well done on a truly amazing set of scores.
Darren Whittingham, last year's runner-up, was the Junior Boys winner. He has grown steadily in skill and confidence, dominating Yellow in the latter part of the year. Fraser Smith, last year's winner, has been thinking ahead and honing his abilities on the technical courses. Good luck both.
And so to the drama of the Junior Girls... With Rebecca Whittingham injured for much of the season, it was Sarah Horsler who took an early lead and kept up a terrific performance. Elizabeth was also improving quickly but Sarah always stayed ahead. How extraordinary then, how maddening it must be to get pipped at the post by your sister in the last event!! Just 2 points in it, a mere shrug of mathematics. To my mind, either would be a worthy champion - congratulations to both of them!
The 2014 Club League season will soon be upon us. Club League rules are very similar to 2013 but with some changes to align with 2014 BOF Course planning rules. You can check which colour corresponds with your age class here. I'll be happy to answer any queries.
We look forward to seeing you. Good luck, everyone!
Mike Kite, Club League Organiser