Page 23 - 2000 AMA Summer

its’ way through two massive overhangs. The six climbers who topped out went on to climb the E2 elimination route. None of the Super Finalists managed to top out on this demanding route but CpI Woody Woodhead managed a move more that CpI Ewan Whitmey and is now the HVS champion.
Numbers for the E2 category were down on last year, notable omissions were, Capt Steve Blake, Capt Mac MacKay, W01 Graham Carter, SSgt Mark Hedges and yours truly even more surprising was the absence of the 1999 Champion Tpr Nathan Pike. Hopefully they will be available for the Interservice Championships later this year.
The elimination route took a direct line through the double eight metre overhanging wall n which has to be seen to be appreciated. Although most of the field cruised past the first overhang it was the second that caused most problems. Rope drag and awkward moves on the lip contrived to eject all but two climbers. Pte Rachel Kelsey (who elected to climb E2 and not in the female category) gave an impressive demon­ stration of strength, fitness and control as she made easy work of both overhangs and the final headwall. Rachel was looking good as a possible Championship winner at the end of the elimination round
Six competitors made the cut for the final. This was an unre­ lenting brutal 7a+ route which overhung from the floor to the top. Unfortunately Rachel Kelsey was unable to reproduce the same form as in the elimination round. LCpI Laurence Owen climbed com­ fortably past the previous high point and was only four moves from the top when he ran out of steam. He was beaten to the Cotswold shield by a second impressive display of climbing by OCDT Tom Parsons who won by one move. Third place was Capt Richard Baker and fourth was Pte Colin Marsh. A full set of results will appear on the AMA website: www.theama.org
The first of two changes to this years competition was the introduction of a separate
Female competition. This event was won by LCpI Jackie Spong, she was the only female to climb the VS final route. It is hoped the separate category will encourage more females to enter the competition.
The second change was the new Team Competition. This produced an exciting and challenging event. A team of four climbers raced against the clock to complete two separate routes. A simplified scoring system negated the need for set routes with teams free to make up their own choice of holds. To complete the route disks (to simulate protection points) were touched in numerical order - a bit like vertical orienteering. The numbers equated to points. Frantic communica­ tion ensured a sense of urgency was maintained throughout the 18 minutes. Manchester & Salford UOTC, which consisted of 2 males and 2 females collected the most points and were clear winners,4 Regt AAC were second with Wales UOTC third.
Several big changes are planned for next year; the VS Category will be replaced by a Novice Category. This will be designed for young soldiers, ATR's etc and those who have only recently started climbing. The emphasis will be on intro­ ducing personnel to Sport Climbing without the competi­ tive pressure. VS climbers will be absorbed into the new HVS Category. This will have a larger spread of prizes and will be ultimately for those who climb well but do not have access to a training facility. The E2 category will be expanded to encompass the E1 category and will be renamed OPEN Category. It is hoped that in future the Army team will be drawn from this category each year. The spread of prizes will be increased to separate classes of Regular, TA and OTC The Army Champion will receive the Cotswold Shield irrespec­ tive of service engagement.
Finally, a big thank you to all the AMA members who assisted on the day, without your selfless efforts the event would not be the success it is.
Tackling the first roof on the E2 Eliminator.
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