Sydney Summer Series

The NSW Stingers put on a corker last night at Blackman Park. Following a day of heavy rain, the evening turned out fine and cool for running, although the parks and bush tracks were very wet and muddy underfoot.

The course was in 'portrait' format with a seductive spread of points to the south and east, but slightly less tempting options to the north. It proved a difficult one to work a loop to at first blush, although the road stuff to the east/north east was mandatory - the question being when to 'attach' the southern bush, early or late in the proceedings? It seemed the majority began via 23 and the southern tempters, emerging mud spattered and behind time at #22 after the puzzle of #30 and, especially, #18. A good beginning from James Lithgow was 23,17,13 and 14 before 30 and the track - getting 17 and 13 on the outer loop proving difficult for many other competitors.

Numbers were a little below expectations - the threatening weather being largely responsible - although 190 punters still fronted the coin tray and enjoyed a great area and a fine course. Scoring into the 500's proved elusive with Dave Heagarty and Anthony Petterson looking the goods at 470 points, although there may have been a later and better score. Our 'get the lot' man, Glenn 'with an h' Horrocks took over the hour to work around a no doubt twisting loop, but ending up no too far shy of the winners.

A notable piece of navigation was from 'Legend' Lloyd Gledhil, who negotiated the cliffs and lantana from #5 directly to #28. Now we know why they are called Legends! There were other bush exploits reported, including many runners 'working' the green along the ill defined bounday near #30 - I gather to the annoyance of the property owner.

The lonely pot award would have to go to #3, well outside most loops, with Glenn as probably its only visitor. We generally call these lonely and annoying buggers the 'Andrew Hill control', in honour of our current champ (missing last night) who, despite these devious and dastardly obstacles, still manages to amaze us with his brutal pace.

All in all, a top event last night in a superb location. The bush track work really adds an edge to the series, bringing different navigation and distance estimation skills into play. We will return.

Next week sees us heading west again to the runnable parks of Ermington with Steve Holloway in command. The Kissing Point Road area is mostly good open road and park running and a chance to stretch the legs. Steve knows how to prepare a puzzler and I'm sure he will deliver on the 12th. Join us!