Martin at Compass Sport Cup final 2017

Forth Valley Orienteers concluded their preparations for this weekend's Scottish Championship with victories in four races across the UK, including a tough double header in the Lake District,

Martin Dean was nearly 20 minutes ahead of the field on Short Green in Saturday's Long distance race at Coniston, in a time of 36.17, then secured another win at the Middle distance (39.47) on Sunday, with Tom Downie also on Saturday's Short Green podium (56.09).

Lindsey Hensman was one of four FVO athletes in 2nd place in their class, as she was well placed on Sunday's Very Short Green course, in 47.54. There were 2nd place finishes too for Jason Inman (Brown - 42.04) and Sean Truswell (Orange - 37.49) while Hannah Inman had a memorable weekend as she ran up a class, winning Light Green on Saturday (52,13) and taking the Silver on Sunday (44.27).

There were eight starters in the White race, and FVO nabbed the top seven positions. Oscar Baikie topped the lot in 25.06, with Ethan Baikie (28.07) and Catriona Downie (29.31) both of whom were flying solo, also in the medals.

Closer to home, FVO was the dominant force in the TAY SoSOL at Balkello, as they won five of the eight classes on offer. Former GB stars Graham Gristwood and Alasdair McLeod headed the Brown class, Graham taking the win in 54.59, with Alasdair 2nd in 60.59.

Mark Holliday topped out on the Green course (50.05) with John Campbell joining him on the top step through his Short Green courses efforts (39.50). There was another FVO 1-2 on Light Green, as Fraser Cheyne led the way (34.58) and James Edward was 2nd (41.37) and Sophie Edward' took an Orange course victory (38.54).

There was also a race on local terrain at Beecraigs, and James Hammond had a comprehensive margin of over 16 minutes (40.20 ) ahead of Mark Johnston (57.04), with Scarlett Kelly close (59.55) behind in 3rd.

Simon Finch and Hanna Brindley enjoyed an epic toe-to-toe battle on the Green course, and Simon came out in front, by just 21 seconds (71.56). Isla Cheyne was 2nd on Light Green in 54.12

Esme Finch (32.43) picked up the Orange course victory, but only after Sophie Edward (35.12) relinquished the lead on the final leg. Valerie Finch (41.26) was 3rd, and Nina Norve (24.21) headed the Yellow course competitors, with Sarah (29.56) and Ellen (33.41) Williams making up the podium party.