YORK'S Jenny Whitehead finished second, just two seconds behind the winner, in the first official British Sprint Orienteering Championships at Ham Hill near Yeovil.

It was the closest ever race in British women's orienteering with the top six separated by less than 30 seconds.

Sarah Rollins (British Army Orienteering Club) won in a time of 16minutes 29seconds for the 2.5km course. Whitehead, of the Eborienteers club, was just edged out despite taking three seconds out of Rollins on the run-in.

This meant British No 1 Heather Monro, ranked ninth in the world, was pushed in to third place with a time of 16-38.

Aislinn Austin (Eborienteers) finished 11th with her sister, Fionne, coming 29th.

Nick Morgan finished top Eborienteer in the men's championship in 19th position. The men's winner was British No 1 Jamie Stevenson (South Yorkshire Orienteers).

The weekend was part of a series of selection races to run in the British Team at the Nordic Championships in Sweden in early May.

Whitehead strengthened her position further with fifth place in the World Ranking Event despite making several small mistakes.

"All-in-all I'm pleased with how the weekend went and especially with my fitness at the moment," said Whitehead.

"However I'm sure there are plenty of places that I lost those two seconds and I am very disappointed not to have won my first senior national championships."

Whitehead will be showing her sprint race form around the streets of York on Sunday, May 11, when she attempts to retain her crown in the third annual York City Orienteering Trophy event.

The race gives beginners a chance to try orienteering in a more familiar setting and EBOR are hoping for a good local turnout. Whitehead will be available, along with other international orienteers, to offer advice and sign posters. Further information on the York Race and orienteering in general is available at www.eborienteers.org.uk

Updated: 10:39 Saturday, April 12, 2003