2007 Collier Cup Round 6

07 September 2007

What a different contrast in the weather this evening after the last DF, and to cap it all, nine teams arrived at the start to compete in round 6 of this Collier Cup event. It was great to see Ray Goodearl and Bernard Poole return to our little band of DFers.

Peter Lisle was operating and all competitors heard Peter with slight variations in signal strength. Most took a bearing of circa 80 degrees. Some teams opted to travel down the motorway towards High Wycombe whilst others took the old A40 and played safe in case of traffic problems. I, together with John Champion, thought Peter was a fair way off and succeeded in getting to Prestwood for the 8pm signal. Others travelled to Hazelmere and beyond.

To my amazement the signal was weak and sent a bearing back towards West Wycombe. With much haste we managed to get to Naphill for the 8.15 signal but on switching on the DF set it suddenly went blank. A quick change to the spare set gave a bearing towards the church on West Wycombe Hill (start of last years treble night) but on arrival no DF cars were there!

The next signal gave us a bearing back towards where we were at 8.15 so decided to drive behind Bradenham Manor and up the track only to find Peter's car there. It took two further transmissions for us to find a legal way into where Peter was hiding. The air was filled with flying pheasants. Eventually DFed up to a footpath were I found Bill Pechey hunting around and with a sigh of relief stated he was glad to see me. (Bill still has not mastered the art of conning others). With the signal on fairly constantly, I found Peter hiding just behind where Bill was seen coming out. With frantic calling, managed to call in Alan Simmons who had walked past Peter at 8.30 but was unable to find him. Still with constant calling by Peter only three teams succeeded in getting in by the allotted time. Two others arrived just out of time. Others were heard shouting in the wood without success.

On getting back to our vehicle heard loud panting noises coming up the track, thinking it was some large beast shone my torch only to see Mark Coventry and his son coming towards us after running miles across various woods to no avail. Due to our kindness we took the tired two back round to where they left their car.

Most teams managed back to get back to the pub to voice their disappointment and frustrations on how Peter managed to keep them out.

Brian Bristow

Position Competitor Finish
1 Bill Pechey 21:11:35
2 Brian Bristow 21:16:27
3 Alan Simmons 21:20:35
4 Graham Philips 21:30:10 (NF)
5 David Ryan 21:31:03 (NF)
6 = Mark Coventry NF
6 = Ray Goodearl NF
6 = Bernard Poole NF
6 = Chris Friel NF