Going into Round 6, as at 25 May 05

Full Entry List

After a slow start at the beginning of the series, Storm has dominated the team competition, as it has for the previous two years. But with only a single entrant at Queens Birthday - Chris Forne - it is not going to be able to defend its 37-point margin. MacNut Northerners will regain the lead it held until Round 4 in the South Island.

Ironically, Forne is the only competitor certain of his individual result. The engineering research student from Christchurch has the mens series sewn up, and will take the trophy from Carsten Jorgensen, to whom he was runner-up last year. But the womens leader (and last year's winner) Rachel Smith by not entering has opened the door to Tania Robinson. Not a very wide gap - Robinson will have to win both events at QB - but a gap nevertheless. New Zealand's most-titled champion is quite capable of pulling off that feat.

Another door has been left open for the men's second place. Karl Dravitzki has a fairly solid position, but he won't be there either. His absence allows at least the possibility that Neil Kerrison could overtake him. Kerrison, who was a slow starter in elite ranks has steadily improved like good wine, but would need a second and a third to pass the Taranaki sharemilker. Wagers anyone?

Kerrison also needs to watch his back. Though not within reach of second, with adverse results Brent Edwards, Mark Lawson and Darren Ashmore could be in for third. In the race for the womens placings, the absent Penny Kane will probably see Rebecca Smith overtake, and perhaps also Claire Paterson.

The final round consists of a sprint through the town of Waiuku and Sunday's middle distance in Woodhill Forest. Waiuku can be expected to contain park and bush areas; but it is handling the unexpected that is vital in the 12-15min formula, and even the best can sometimes fall down. Woodhill is more well-known territory for orienteering. On Sunday 5 June, we will know.

The benefit of hindsight - check out the Prospect Archive.