Published: Wednesday, 13th August, 2008 12:30
Wee County vaulters take on the world
By John Simpson
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Joanne Eccles performs her freestyle routine to the song 'Lady In Red'.
MEMBERS of the Wee County Vaulters have returned from the World Equestrian Vaulting and European Junior Equestrian Vaulting Championships in Brno securing top 10 places in all the classes in which they competed.
The Championships attracted entrants from 25 nations.
The Wee County Vaulters Junior team, which was the first junior club team to be selected to represent GB, exceeded expectations by finishing in sixth place, competing on W.H.Bentley lunged by John Eccles, who also coached the team with assistance from Joanne and Hannah.
The team. which was only formed in March, consisted of Andrew McLachlan, Helen Anderson, Yasmin Williamson, Joscelin Craig, Brogan Moffat, Rebecca Norval and Cassie McIlwraith.
Only Andrew had ever competed outside Britain prior to the Championships, which made the result even more amazing. W.H.Bentley achieved the highest horse score in the Junior team competition.
Thirty-three of the top junior female individuals from throughout Europe took part in a strongly contested female individual class.
Hannah Eccles, also vaulting on W.H.Bentley, was one of the three selected to represent GB. Hannah was placed eighth in the competition, gaining personal best scores in the compulsory exercises, and achieved the highest GB placing in this class.
Wee County Vaulters were also represented in the World Championships Senior Female class by GBs top ranked vaulter Joanne Eccles. Once again Joanne competed on W.H.Bentley.
Having achieved a personal best in the compulsory test, Joanne progressed to the second round in seventh position.
Only the top 15 of the 45 individual senior females from around the world qualified for the second round.
Joanne then achieved personal best in the Technical test and then proceeded to enthrall the audience with her freestyle (to the theme of Lady in Red). This saw her move up two places to finish in fifth position, the highest placing gained to date by a GB vaulter.
Thanks must go to all the people who gave financial support to the Wee County Vaulters, including Clackmannanshire Sports Council and Benstons Motor Engineers, whose generous contributions helped pay for the horse transportation costs to allow the club to compete at this prestigious competition.
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