Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Great orienteering over Easter in Dubbo has kept correspondent 'Pork Pie' away from the Summer Series news desk, BUT, he's back!! - and eager to report on a top race last week, and our upcoming finale tomorrow at Woolwich. Read on.

Big Foot's Sue Davis was our course setter last week, and engineered an excellent outing - probably the best setting on this map. It looked like a 'clean sweep' spread that Andrew Hill might just have got in time, and probably confirmed by Glenn doing the thirty with only a two minute penalty (for an impressive 580). Other good scores were, Rob Mason on 570, Michael Burton with 550 and a great trio of fives in Masters Men - Peter A 530, a half head in front of Tim P (520), in turn just edging out Michael 'Frank Sinatra' Free with 500. Also of note was the great score from Jessica in Junior Women (440), and spanking 460 from Paula Shingler - back racing in Veteran Women in fine style. Scores in general were a touch up on the norm - good stuff.

Checkpoints 25 and 28 invoked lots of pondering, with many being tempted to begin there, and perhaps regretting the decision with the steep climb back up from 28. Others went southeast via 3,7,11 and 23 before a sweep to 13 that included the very picturesque #30. Many old hands avoided 8 and 26 for the same reason as 28 got the flick, instead heading for the bush and trying to work the western points. Eighteen was hard to include in the creek dash, although a bit of 'out and back' work was noticed. A loop 21, 15, 29, 20, 27 to 18 and then a touch of the swampy feet was a goer, going home the way many began, and a more sure right of way back to the road (which a few runners only saw as private property).

Good course, good running and good fun in this excellent location. We will keep it on the list for next season, perhaps starting at the end of Tambourine Bay Road.

Tomorrow brings the 07/08 season to a conclusion at Woolwich, starting in the small park opposite the pub. Peter Annetts has an excellent outing on the boil, with a stretch both east and west for the runners, and a little more fun on the south side than we have seen before. Sadly, much of Clark's Point Reserve is blocked off with landscaping works, reducing this nice bit and it's harbour views. A pity, and something we didn't foresee at programme commencement. Be good next time though. Our last event should still be a classic and a great way to finish - and there are still a couple of close contests that will not be finalised till tomorrow - Karin and Robin in Veteran Women are only separated by 4 points. What a final!

A room in the pub has been booked for the presentations, and everyone is urged to stay around to acknowledge our champions - and maybe have dinner (the pie and mash is always great). The sunny badges and various chocolate temptations will once again be a part of the fun, and extra copies of the final 'Pork Pie' Form Guide will also be available for those that missed one at the Butcher (how could you!).

And without missing a beat, we slide into the Autumn Evenings. The first one WILL be open earlier than advertised - expect around the 4.45/5pm mark for those that don't want to 'do it in the dark'. Lavender Bay with it's magnificent harbour backdrop, will provide an excellent opener. Be there!

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