Sydney Summer Series

FINE WEATHER FOR GRADUATION CEREMONY

After a mid day deluge that had course setter Ron 'The Bursar' Junghans inside the Drizabone as he sloshed from one Si unit deployment to the next, a miracle occurred - it cleared up! It fined up and it dried up. The 180 graduating students would get to wear dry mortarboards and gowns for this most important day. Organisers took a little dry sherry in thanks.

But before the swirl of sash, the bow, the handshake, the hope of careers to follow, let's look into the Grand Final as students gathered for one last chance to secure that key to their future - the Sydney Summer Series badge. Macquarie University was our venue with an atmosphere in the hall of hushed excitement as the undergrads stripped for action. With several contests coming down to a point or two, excitement mounted. Who would go gold? Who would win the university medal? Who would win in a countback? Who's grandma would be proudest? Who would lose their Si stick in the bush?

Ok, ok ponies. Let's begin at the beginning.

Dry weather, what a bloomin relief. Another tasty morsel - the parking meter was out of action, so no fee for the early birds. And so, after seven years, we were back at the Mac and under cover - the small fee being well worth it to have such good final facilities. When the programme was originally promulgated, we had not secured the venue, hence the 'Grand Finale' title. The subsequent ministration of unctions and lotions to university staff by Sir Ronald got us in, and hopefully we can make it a permanent date. As the french woman said in the classic Fawlty Towers episode, "your so charming Mr Fawlty". Ron had done a Basil.

Arriving and going the tenner, gave us a landscape certificate - delivered with red ribbon by Dean of Studies Duncan Currie. Duncan's advice to arriving students that there was a missing copse at #7 was welcome, and settled a few nerves. He has that calming effect.

Quiet study in the senior library then ensued, with generally warm feelings towards the Bursar, and what he proposed. It looked like a six or close to it, and offered a touch of bush track, a sweep of campus, and plenty of volley on yellow. There were aspects within the overall offer much like a sprint course, an enticement many took up - some to their regret. The northern sports fields got a dollop of points this time - with those remembering the '05 'excision' of controls there ruminating on that debacle, and deciding to revisit. The burglar prone housing to the west enjoyed the odd circle, the horse paddocks copped #8, the sculptures at 14,24 & 25 added a touch of culture, and #15 came with smoking students attached. A variety of checkpoints in a variety of settings revealing the inner workings of the academic mind - as 'Rita' worked her magic presenting Ibsen on the radio. I seem to have strayed - as 'Ron' worked his spread, much like he does to the pumpkin fertiliser.

It seemed there were three course beginnings. The northern 12,11,1,21 followers (the Environmental Science degree) had eighty in the bank before a road dash to #20 and a little Trafalgar shopping. Equally popular was the bush beginning (the degree in Civil Engineering - Infrastructure) to 22,13 and 2 before lorry spotting on the M2 and more study in the Uni grounds. The other leap of faith was straight out the door for a 10,20 or a 10,7 - sometimes going 12 first (that old chestnut, Political Science). No matter what the beginning, the Uni building and grounds were must have points, and figured in most Phd papers. Subsequent analysis shows the avoidance of #29 and #17 in the west to have been smart thinking, as working the Trafalgar's (20,19,9,18) before going straight to #30 and 16 and flicking the indicator to 'left turn' was the go. Those that were tempted by #17 would not have enjoyed the minor bush track if coming from #8 - now almost completely overgrown. Pete Annetts did many a favour here, collecting swags of spider webs as he too wondered where the track was.

A couple of tenners in the centre of the map (#10 & 7) were easy 'leaves' for those sweeping and swooping around the perimeter. Mike 'Tyson' Burton was one such, looping the sculpture at 25 into his Uni studies (a course in boxing as a relaxation from the rigors of astronomy), as he flew clockwise for 580 in just over the allotted. The Uni building area itself provided many diagrams on the whiteboard - with the lazy 'W' or 'saggy bra' being a popular configuration. To illustrate, connect 30,16,28, then rise via 5,26,6,25 and 14, before falling through 24,15,27 and a final swoop to the right hand shoulder strap via 4,3 and 23. Ronnie has always been a bit of a lingerie man.

Hard to find a lonely pot, but I'd probably nominate #29 to carry the drinks. Well outside easy looping, and a course not to be undertaken without credit points in the physical fitness classes. Everything else looks like it got a right old beeping, with runners going in all directions - much like day orientation day at Uni when the bell rings.

So, despite the assembly venue having a constricting 'throat', 'The Bursar' produced exits in triplicate - and a spread of subsequent excitement when runners were released from their preparatory exams and let loose on the campus. The scoring tells the story, with several alumni going for 600, and graduating with honours. A top course Ron,and a great final evening for our 21st birthday.

Seeing we have looked at the full colour lets look at the black and white.

Taking the Vice Chancellor's prize is Glenn Horrocks, home in 44.43 for a perfect 600. The 'Furniture Polish' buffed up nicely, and took the nail biting MM title from Richard Green by dint of one point. In actual fact they tied with 13 '100's' apiece, but Glenn's 600 to Richard's 590 (he copped thirty seconds - the cruelty of it all) last night ensued the moment of glory on the dias as his next drop was a 99 to 'The King's' 98. Fantastic competition from these Masters all year, and a fitting way to conclude the season. We also had another tied result last night, with the Open Women stars Lisa 'The Earthquake' Grant and Gill 'Fall Of Wicket' Fowler, equal on 1200 points. Gill had to win to claim, but both ran into the lecture theatre with 530, giving the cloth circle to Lisa. Again, incredible competition, and fascinating to those with the blanket over their knees in the outer stands.

More scoring I hear you say? No worries. After the national anthem, and the procession of lecturers onto the stage (behind the yellow banner of the SSS University), Professor Pork Pie fingers the order of service and clears his throat. It is obvious he has done this before.

'The Blue Shoe' (and OM addict) Steve Ryan posted 590 in just under 44 - not sure which tenner got the boot, but another great run from Steve. Mark Schaefer (also OM) carded the lot, but was 1.45 minutes late for the ceremony and had to be content with 580, the same score that WHO stallion James 'The Inkbottle' McQuillan put on the table. James has posted some very impressive scores this series, and is one of our very best. A classy nag in the blue silks - graduating in Psychology after reading literature at a prior institution .

Matty Hill continues his excellent run in JM, with an amazing 530 post after running the lot in 51.36, and well clear of next junior home, Lawrence Jones 'The Grocer', with 480 in the basket. A few bold ponies ran the lot last night, including Patrik 'The Bullet' Gunnerson (50.21), Lee Coady (55.49), Chris 'The Freight Train' Frain (63.53), Andrew 'The Bible' Goddard (68.22) and 'South Col' Burnett (72.41 with Sherpa Tenzing assisting). In a fit of end of season madness, chief SSS web master David 'Jones' Noble also meant to go all stations. David must have really had the pedal to the metal however, seeing the houndstooth check instead of his map, and missing a tenner in his gather. DJ pinged his 590 in 68.17 and retired to the perfume counter.

In the Junior Women category, Michele Dawson posted 420 to add to her own impressive year's scoring, taking the gold from Georgia Jones (400), but not by much. Georgia 'On My Mind' is a tune we will be hearing more of in seasons to come methinks. Joanna Hill is also noted in JW, taking honours in commerce with a tidy 250, and compiled with five minutes to spare.

Wendy Stevenson went out in fine style, running in 530 in the VW class to post her 26th straight win (missing the MiniGaine). An incredible record that could challenge 'The Streak' in due course. Sharon Lambert (420) and Karin Hefftner (400) also ran well in the Vets, overcoming a heavy pre graduation party to pull in front of VW rival Robin 'Red Breast' Cameron - a 360 post after she dallied for seven minutes bird watching near control 22.

Mary Fein held twenty over Cath Chalmers in Masters Women (500/480) with both mares going over time in the final dash for cash - Cath's the greater ambition with 49.28 on the tick tock hurting her at the tape. In the SV's, 'The Doctor' saved his best for last, putting up 460 beautiful points on the blood pressure chart - and astounding his class of trainees 'from the sub continent'. A great run Ian - and one equalled last night by Garingal's Bruce Meder 'Ly Margarine'. Bruce is not know to the Porkster, but must have a turn of speed - not only equalling 'Cameron's Corner', but also taking the lollies away from super Super Vet, Wazza Selby (a 440 and an early night at the club and the Housie Housie comp). A smooth spread indeed. Graeme & Gordy also posted 440's in SVM, and had their proud parents in C row for the graduation.

Terry Bluett came through in the Legends with 410, and a good win over 'The Trouser' and 'The Man From Moscow" (both carding 380's). John should have gone closer to Tezza, but misread the undercover car park mapping (shown as 'canopy' on the sprint version), and went all funny for a minute or two. John worked a #12/10/20 beginning and home via the bush, whereas Terry went north 'To Alaska' and finished via 14,25,7 and a touch of roadworks - and a Eureka moment on the score board. Heiko and 'Sir Ken' posted 370's, Teddy a 360 and Tim Cox a 350 in the same grouping - and retired to the professorial bar to lick their wounds. In LW, Bryony's 290 won the science prize, ahead of June 'Ralph' Stanley on the banjo with 250 and Sue Thomson - finishing her season on 230 (or is that 230 season tickets). Well done to these fearsome rivals and living Legends of running and thinking at the same time!

I think I have missed the SVW sector, where Kerrie 'The Ruler' Emslie measured out a 290 to hold the pennies from Carol Jacobson's 270. Helen Murphy was twenty in arrears, with the clock taking this unwelcome bite into her otherwise excellent evening on stage. Good running girls. In the walkers, Wiz managed to hold off Chris Brown, despite Chris following his 'optimal route'. A 250 to 120 dusting, maybe bought on, not by adherence to the route guide, but by Alison Brown accompanying her husband on stage. In the power walking women, Kathryn Cox asserted herself, with a 200 to 140 win over Michelle 'The Paving Stone' Povah. Like the men, a race in two, and a category that needs closer attention from the director general of education.

It looks like we had 176 entries all up, with several groups probably adding another couple to the total. A great roll up at the end of season, and an indication of the depth of competition. The biggest common score was 480, with eleven graduates sharing the eleventh place award. 11 in 11 - oooh, spooky. At the tail, we have 'Doug' - the enigmatic Doug, with minus 180. 'The Black Douglas' enjoyed a great final and has been rewarded with a malt of singular quality - perfect to smooth a late night assignation with the Bursar. Also, nearly spoiling Doug's party, we have the Chan family with minus 160. Great stuff and fun for the kids. We apparently have also a couple of DNF's with one runner losing his Si stick in the bush somewhere near #22/13. A search party will be despatched, carrying water bottles, and maybe if Doug could bring along the whisky...

Lots of other excellent scores with 71 runners going 400 and above - SVM's Steve Dunlop being the 71st, after another great run from 'The Jallopy'. Steve was our Vaucluse setter and is in fine form. Also good to see a couple of Mountain Devil's running up excellent scores, with Nick 'The Draper' Raper (490) and Graeme 'Play It Loud' McLeod (480) proving its not all about the bike. Great to see these Devils on the fly. I'd also like to note seeing both Anne Stewart and Margaret Craig back with us last night and enjoying a summer series outing. Both are LW's of great pedigree and distinction.

As always, the full results will soon be up on the SSS web site, where a complete picture of the year will emerge. Season 21 is now over, degrees have been awarded (including the Vice Chancellor's prize), and the ponies retired to fresh grass and a quiet Reschs. It's been quite a year, and very much a year of mixed metaphors.

Pork Pie will attempt a final call of the card to give due credit to many more than the usual winners - and then rest the 2B stub in an exhausted collapse from News reporting. I hope all have enjoyed my 'take' on the weekly proceedings, and some of the irreverent excursions into the fantastic world of summer series racing. Season 22 is already in planning mode, with another 26 (plus Mini?) programme lined up. There will be new maps, old maps revisited, and different start areas on perennial favourites. All Si from now on of course, as we dance into the sunset beeping quietly. Something not quite understood by the aunties.

Before I fold the stool (no James, no..), I should re remind flogsters of the Moonlight Madness Wednesday evening runs throughout the winter - and starting next week at Shrimptons Creek. No need to weep quite yet, next week is in the can! Check the club/ONSW websites for details. I've also been asked to remind runners of the Great Nosh Footrace. Some way off of course (June 3), but a great bush track run bought to us by Joel 'The Putter' Putnam and the Bennelong crew. Note in your diary now or call the 'Seven Iron' on 0404 999 156.

I'll also post the SSS wrap notes from last night, maybe with a bit more stats if I can decipher them. Look for it, with David maybe posting an alert. Big thanks to David (and Mel Cox behind the scenes) for all the event results posting to our web site, and to all course setters and club crews that have helped make this (testing and wet) season still such a good one. Let's hope the 2012/2013 season sees a return to warmer and drier conditions. Meanwhile, the bush awaits. Check out the NSW Orienteering programme and join us. A great O season is about to unfold.