For me V1 is the best compositionally Paul.
The focal point of the image is maintained while the reduced sky and foreground elements of the pano still give context. Nit picking but the ropes on the right just go out of the image .
Mike

Looking at this Mike carefully shows that the eyes , nose and mouth area are out of focus while the top of the head is sharper.

The use of f2.8 has restricted your D.OF. At this wide aperture the focus point is very critical as there is little d.o.f . and even a small distance can make a difference to the sharpness of the eyes nose etc.
Trying f4 or f5.6 would give more latitude in focusing while keeping the background still out of focus. However at 4 or 5.6 your shutter speed would be slower so you could nudge up the iso to compensate.
Also I notice you have ev set to -O.7 you would probably get away with -0.3 , this would help with shutter speed.
I know it is a VR lens but a monopod would have really helped here with stability, yet allowing you to retain flexibility of following the action.
Your lens can be used confidentally at f2.8, it is designed that way and is why you paid a shed load of dosh for that confidence, however technique is all and once mastered you will be amazed at what it can give you,
Wish Santa had brought me one!!

Good detail Nick and the seamless black background is a classic touch , perhaps just a very small curves adjustment to lift the contrast on the petals, glad you are back to your D300. What iso was this?
Mike

I like this, the woman is perfectly positioned but I feel the composition would be stronger if it was cropped just inside the first tree on the left. This way you would still retain the houses yet square the image,

Mike