ORIENTEERS Helen Gardner and Steve Whitehead brought a piece of history home to York after celebrating successful international debuts, writes Dave Stanford.
Gardiner and Whitehead, both members of Ebor Orienteers, were part of the England veterans' team that lifted the Micklegate Bar Trophy in the Veterans' Home International for Orienteering.
The trophy is made from oak taken from York Minster during the restoration of 1968 which was then carved into the shape of Micklegate Bar.
It was first presented in 1971 by the Youth Service for an unrelated orienteering competition before it later became the prize for the Veterans' Home International.
Gardner and Whitehead, father of Great Britain international Jenny, were part of the 20-strong England team aged from 40 to 60 years competing against Scotland and Wales.
Northern Ireland, who normally compete in the event, were unable to take part this year because of the foot and mouth crisis.
The individual event was staged in the Peak District near Buxton while a relay was staged on the Sunday in a complex limestone area with intricate contours.
Gardner made a telling points contribution by finishing second in her individual race as England made a clean sweep of both the individual and relay events to claim the Micklegate Bar Trophy.
With Gardner and Whitehead both making their debuts, the duo were also presented with England badges.
Updated: 11:22 Saturday, September 15, 2001
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