|
 With
our team back to full strength, and apparently carrying no injuries
or illness, we arrived at the final SIBL in good spirits. Even our youngest
members are undaunted by the prospect of a day's physically tough competition.
In one way this is, of course, a good thing; all of our group look forward
to meeting their climber friends and enjoy the challenge of fresh new
problems created by an excellent setter and attempted in an atmosphere
of genuine mutual support.
On the other hand, I can't help feeling that we haven't quite got the
balance right; this round was a good example. While no one could argue
that the SIBL is a national standard competition, it seems to be swinging
too far towards being a series of 'Fun Days'.
Oh yes, great fun but perhaps not enough competition.
Anyway, enough of my soapbox journalism.....
 Zippy
had set a good selection of problems; imaginative and challenging across
the range of difficulties. Initial reports suggested a low-scoring round
although, as it turned out, only smaller competitors were affected by
some reachy problems.
Being the final round, thoughts turned to the mathematics
of the league scoring system.
After round five, Tom Gore was fourth and stood a good chance of finishing
in the top three.
Russ Bates was in a similarly close call in the junior comp.
Tom's exceptional performance during this round put him in second place
but left him a frustrating 11 points (less than 1%) below third place
at the end of the league. Nevertheless the day was clearly a big boost
the Tom's confidence.
Russ came even closer the top three in the league; finishing
just two points behind third place.
The younger members of the team all turned in respectable
performances. Of particular note were
Tony Musselbrook (again reaching, and finishing second in, the Head-to-Head)
and Joel Charley who finished a most impressive twelfth; higher than
many older members of the team.
 The
Head-to-Heads were the most exciting I have ever seen in the SIBL. The
combination of Mile End's natural amphitheatre construction and a particularly
vocal crowd led to a great finale. And, with Jeff Landman and Russ Bates
competing in the Open Head-to-Head for 'fun'; some upsets when they
were among the few to reach the final hold. Perhaps a sign of things
to come?
Stretching the SIBL to six rounds was a little risky.
Cramming them into less than four months could have resulted in a degree
of 'competition fatigue'.
But, thanks to Rob Dixon and his team, the series has been even more
successful and great fun.
Mr Alderson
|
