For the 900th time, because we were unfortunately late in scheduling (arranging the S5 sponsorship) this was the only date free in April (or early/mid May) for the Championships.
Combining with the Home Internationals for a four day APAT stay in newcastle looked a good option because it was one fewer day off work (Good Friday) for those players in the team event, and (Easter Monday) no day off work on the way home either
I too am surprised that quite a few of the team players aren"t playing at the weekend. Wasn"t quite what I expected, but then again I am probably guilty of not having a life and not doing much at Easter normally, so underestimated it!
The event itself is over 100 runners as it stands and will sell out with local players, in my strong opinion