Brunel is an unusual climbing wall. This is not because its main section has no bolt-on holds and a surface resembling anything from the roughest sandpaper to glass. It's unusual because the building is heated. Seasoned SIBLers arrived with their usual array of polar-grade duvet jackets and fleeces only to discard them as they entered the sports hall that houses the wall.
I was pleased to see our team at nearly full strength, despite widespread illness at school. Joel Charley was present with his millions of friends (germs) but prepared to compete as best he could. Phil Maringer was less fortunate; being held hostage at home by his germs.

Rob The Boss briefed the competitors about his evolving judging system. It all appeared clear and simple up to the point where he started speaking. Then, to ensure thorough confusion, he tried to explain the innovative arrangement of problems 1, 2, 3 and 4, 5, 6. By the time everyone was ready to start climbing; only a few knew the rules on these six problems. Still, in our own quaint southern way we muddled through and made the best of the fading chalk marks on the climbing wall.

I broke my personal rule of never judging at SIBL comps; but only for around ten minutes. Then I took full advantage of Rob's masterplan and got a competitor to judge.

Reports back from our team suggested a high-scoring round. Nathan Kemp became increasingly animated as his score approached the 100 mark (he's never scored more than 80 before). His final 113 points was not just an indication of easy problems but also down to Nathan's gathering confidence and experience. Will Cousins climbed another great round; equalling his 12th place at the Westway.

Sam Syvret was doing pretty well until he realised how long he had left. In the end his scorecard was incomplete resulting in a disappointing 107.
At the other end of the scale, Tony Musselbrook performed exceptionally to finish joint first and then go on to come second in a powerful climb-off against some serious competition.

The head-to-head again contained four Dane Court team members amongst the five competitors.
Mikey Evans was in there; much to his annoyance (he hates head-to-heads). Mikey has made impressive progress in the last few months. From being a marginal member of the group he has become a competent and increasingly respected boulderer.
Matt Cousins, Joe Cook and Russ Bates all took part in the head-to-head with Russ taking full advantage of his giant stature to take first place.

Tom Gore, in the adult competition, captured another well-deserved fourth place and continues to maintain a top league placing.
Mr Alderson