Victorian, Kiwi secure clean sweep in orienteering

VICTORIA’S Aston Key and Kiwi Lizzie Ingham secured a clean sweep of Oceania Orienteering Championship victories after claiming the middle distance crowns at St Helens on Wednesday.

Former world junior championships gold medallist Key and Taranaki’s Ingham backed up their sprint and long distance titles with their third victories around the Hutt Tin Mine circuit.

Ingham negotiated the 4.6km course in a time of 31:32, while Canberra’s runner-up Grace Crane (33:39) continued her consistent championships.

Key further proved why he’s rated one of Australia’s rising stars by winning in a time of 29:04, outpointing Big Foot Orienteers’ Jim Bailey (29:50) and Tasmanian Brodie Nankervis (30:20).

Key said he hoped to build on the fifth placing he achieved in his first senior world championships last year in Denmark, with this year’s edition at Switzerland in July.

“It was always the hope (to contend for three titles in Tasmania), but orienteering is one of those sports where it can go in any direction on the day,” Key said. “St Helens is a great area for orienteering, in the middle of summer it’s ideal.”

Ingham was rapt to win all three titles after she also secured the trifecta when the championships were last held.

“I was defending each title, but I hadn’t raced against the Aussie girls for a while and didn’t know where I stood, so it’s reassuring,” she said.

The women’s 20s was taken out by the United Kingdom’s Rachel Duckworth and Sam Woolford edged out fellow New South Welshman Alvin Craig in the men’s event.

Tasmania competitors Euan and Sophie Best finished second and third respectively in the youth division.

The final stage of the championships, the relay events, were held at St Helens on Thursday, with Australia beating New Zealand in the men’s and women’s elite categories. Competition continues with the Hobart Shorts from Sunday to Wednesday next week.