At last year's chasing sprint, UK Cup impresario Dave Peel and his moll Jenny James were long-term injury victims, in danger of becoming orienteering has-beens. But Dave's second place marked the beginning of a resurgence of form that last summer took them both to the World Champs, and now they have captured the ultimate accolade - the flying pig trophies signifying winners of the JOK Chasing Sprint.
In an afternoon of sizzling racing, SYO's stylish golden couple streaked backon form leaving notable names as mere trotters in their wake and the remaining athletes scratching for the minor positions.
Peel's seventeen-second lead from round one was never likely to be defended in the chase. By the third control Richard Wren and Andy Kitchin were already in contact while Jon Musgrave was in sight and closing. Fifth placed man Steve Birkinshaw never quite made the lead group and was never quite caught by the developing pack containing the next twelve finishers and the unlucky thirteenth Stewart Fishwick - too fast in getting his electronic finger out at the last control.
Seconds proved crucial in the men's race: whereas 5th and 20th proved enough to bring Steve Birkinshaw 5th spot, 6th and 21st was only good enough for 17th for a gutted Dave Godfree.
Allan Bogle, just catching this pack, recorded the best time of the day in climbing from 29 to 16th. Further back, pass the pigs expert Nigel Bunn was smoking more than a hog a minute in a spectacular 33-place climb to 52nd.
In the women's race Jenny also led after round 1, by 39 seconds over Liz Campbell. Liz was never to close that gap, but the threat to Jenny came from Porky's pick, rising star Sarah Rollins who had caught Jenny by control 6. Sarah lurked behind Jenny in the hope of slipping past on a blunder or a fast finish, but Jenny held her form magnificently leaving Sarah to trot in second and Porky nashing his teeth at his now worthless betting slip.
Impressive as Sarah's chase was, she couldn't outdo Hannah Wooton who charged through from 13th to 4th with the fastest chase time of the day. Thor Egerton racked up 20 scalps on the chase, making the most of her long rest from having the first start in round 1 to pass someone every 150m.
The battle between preserved and fresh was nicely poised when David Rosen and Graham Gristwood posted identical leading times on course three. Graham led out that battle, but was caught again when wobbling at 7 and 8. After that he tucked in and disposed of the older man with a fierce finish - but to no avail as both were passed by Charles Bromley-Gardner, who won the course and collected the Vets prize leaving Gristwood to take the Junior honours.
Juniors dominated the ladies on course four. Leona Brocklebank, the latest prime product of the Ulverston Victoria squad sausage machine, and AIRE's Rose Burden traded errors before Leona recorded a notable victory. Hilary Palmer salvaged some veteran pride with the best chase time, but it wasn't enough to enable her to overhaul round 1 vets' leader Frances Watkins. And will Sarah Dredge ever live down the error at no 9 that let mum come sneaking past?
Till next year,
Oink oink