RED LIGHTS NO PROBLEM FOR GREEN

Crossing busy Victoria and Lyons Roads at tonight's SSS event doesn't seem to have slowed Richard Green, who carded an impressive 550 points to claim the 'Birkenhead' bride at tonight's event. King Dick is also 'fresh' from a great run at last weekends six foot track outing, which just adds to the majestic aura of our Open Men's star. Top running Rich in a nice new bit of inner city fun bought to us by super veteran speedster Steve 'Grandad' Flick.

Steve added the eastern side of Drummoyne to the existing Abbotsford and Five Dock maps, giving runners a chance to flog along the two K between the bridge crossings, or take a chance with peak hour traffic lights. The new area was characterised by several out and back dead ends and little foreshore linking work - and yes, the 30 pointers were at the end of these road ends. But what views! Most impressive outlooks to Cockatoo Island from 25, 15 and 30 - and the view across to Balmain from #14 was also a beauty.

Five Dock Bay also held its own, with plenty on offer south of the start. Many liked what Steve had on sale here, and took off to the jetty at #26 before looping to 16, 2, 4, 27, 24 and across to the Bay Run. The more adventurous pushed to 12 and 6 before running the bulls (ooops, no, the cars) of Lyons Road. Others worked in a clockwise fashion, running up to 11 and across to 23 before going the in-out scenic stuff. Those that started this way, would have been puzzled at the misaligning of the roads just out of the car park - a quirk of joining three maps.

Not too many seemed to tackle the northern route via the low tenners, although Simon Barr's dash straight from the start to 17 and then on to 28 seemed like a plan (his subsequent triple cross of Queen Victoria slowed him though, as did Lyons on the 11-19 leg. I'd guess that #9 would have to be our lonely pot. Numbers 1,20,17 worked - even 8,20,17, but the old Beatles number just looked a lost soul to me.

Because old Pork Pie is jumping across the ditch (dutch?) early tomorrow, this report may be a bit short winded. He's also a bit shaken after having to make do with a Carlton at the club 'post race'. Never mind, there are some times taken in a shaky hand with the 2B, so listen up.

Both Steve Ryan and Kar-Soon penciled around the 540 mark like our winning Ricardo, but were late back - ending the night with 500's I think. Andrew Hill pushed hard and looked to have the silver with 520, in front of MM star , Glenn 'The Man' Horrocks with 500 after his usual 'all points' outing. Pretty amazing racing Glenbo.

Veteran Malcolm Bradley had the BSA flying for 490, a bottle of five cent coins in front of Peter Annetts with 480. Mal's pillion, Wendy 'Not Deng' Stevenson also flew for 480 in another outstanding run from the veteran star. Tim Rogers and Tony Dowle joined hands for 470, with 'The Jellybean' Michael Free and Jay Wilson a touch wider for 460. AP 'codeine' held 450, as did Mark Schaefer and Chris 'Picture' Frane. Good to see Mark back to speed after missing a few. Warwick Selby 'Seen' was very much seen, with an incredible 450 - and this after the old goat had run the six foot! Waz avoided the traffic light road crossings, unlike several of us other poor mortals. A better idea come to think f it.

'Slam' Dunk Sinclair, Jimmy McLean, Fergus and Gill all posted 430 (Gill also a six footer), while other leading scorers included Tommy Joss 'Stick', Dave Stanley and James 'Oil Paint' Lithgow (420's. Wayne Pepper Pot scribbled 360, Heiko had tree trouble for 350 - giving Uncle Ron the 100 with his 370 (Mal well back in the legends with 310 after losing out to the Lyons Road Tango). Ian Miller and Steve Dunlop flew WHO colours for 310, Lotty hated the roads for 300 and Debbie Byers loved it for 290. Good to see Linda Sester on the burst for 330, along with Tearaway Ted Mulherin and Julia Prudhoe.

Brian and Mary Jane made 100, Lumo a quiet 200 along with SVW Sue Thomson. Mel Cox walked for 240, as did Cheryl Bluett - although the CB radio was noted as a perfect zero. Amanda and Ange (no, not Angina) kept their hearts beating steadily for 230 and Rachel Merton posted 370. There were of course many others - in fact around the 200/210 mark it seems. A very impressive crowd at this end of the season.

Good one Steve, and maybe a great venue for the finale next year. Fancy dancing with your medals on!

Next week we move to the second to last offering at North Parramatta, under the baton of Steve Holloway (270 tonight). The more northern start area should add to the fun of this excellent venue - with plenty of grassy stuff and the odd gravestone to contemplate. Almost the last chance to create an upset, as we watch on especially with the close racing in the masters and veteran categories. Be there.

HANGMAN'S NOOSE SNARES SUGARBAG SPEEDSTERS

David 'Gallows' Gatwood deployed the Pentridge effect last night, with a perfect ring of controls around the central assembly point. Arriving runners, having got off the tumbril, were confronted with a circle of control points with seemingly only one way in and out. It looked a daunting loop, but there were too many points to discount it, no obvious alternative, and so the Circle Line tube it had to be. Many stared at the map, unsure if they would make it, and then just sort of surrendered and shot off - perhaps hoping it would come to a quick and painless end.

In addition to this 'Ring of Fire', there was a tight bunch to the north for those that had more petrol in the tank. And petrol you needed, especially for the sobering leg 13-29-7. One that lives on in the memory. The totality looked very tough, with Michael 'The Freemason' calling Glenn to be ten over for the lot (a suprisingly accurate call with The Glenny actually home in 54.46 for 500 points).

As I said, most stuck to the noose, with their only options being how many 'home' points to go for, and/or if they could take in the Loyal Henry Park ticklers (15,8,17). 27 was too hard to ignore and many began there - and found themselves buggered before they had got out of the gate! Checkpoints 3,1 and 11 were lodged in the 'if I have time' slot, which few seemed to have and were infrequently visited. One startling route that did a bit of early 'home cooking' was Simon Barr beginning with 1, 11 and then down the creek to 26! Ronny 'Out of Africa' Junghans, on hearing of this audacious beginning, thought he would give it a go too - only to find the green really was green and lost much time. His day was over before he hit Lady Game.

The ringsters mainly went east first (16, Loyal Henry, 20, 25 etc), hoping to do a bit of bush on the way back (in-out 23 worked for many). Going the other way held out the hope of adding the 24/14 at the end of the run if the legs were still pumping. Those that planned to add northern points needed to be aware of the track not joining the road at #21. Bashing out worked apparently, but trying to find the way in was a different story (Michael Burton lost much time here). Going anti clockwise probably was the way to go for the stallions - with several ignoring 23, 12 and 5 in their sweep to fame and fortune. Many competitors lost time at #25 (either moved of incorrectly placed) and #9 (in the next watercourse south early on). I think all the #25 prospectors were paid the lolly, thank goodness. Not sure about 9 though - I know Heiko was discombobulated here and lost time.

Anyway, how did the scoring go? Well it looks like Richard Green might have gone gold again (reported as 530 and home early! - cruel I know), with Andy Hill posted as 520 and Kar-Soon with Glenn on 500. All incredible scores given the slower running in the bush, and not forgetting the contours. Back in the fours we find Dave 'The Omelet' Heggarty flying with 490, and nosing out brilliant runs from Peter Annetts and Sister Wendy with 480 apiece. Eoin Rothery must have liked the bush as he carded a fantastic 470, in front of the oil on the boots man, Malcolm 'McLaren' Bradley (450), Michael Free (440), Davey 'Crocket' Bray (430) and the head of Westpac, Tom Joss (420). In gaining his 440, the flying Freedom Fighter worked a loop that saw him coming home from #9 - up the cliff directly to #3!! Something about local knowledge. Amazing. Gill 'Gumboots' Fowler popped onto the board with a sensational 450 - and so is popped onto the blog right here! Good running Gill.

There seemed a goodly bunch around the 400 mark, with Mary Fein and Rod 'Knee' Clark posting just that, although aging speedster Steve Flick and Waz 'The Pluviometer' Selby were reported as ten better. Mel Cox startled the official tent with an arrival yell to rival 3801's departure whistle on the Central West sleeper. Mel pulled 390 to head a posse of 380's - all pouring down the finish steps like hot gold. Jim McLean, Aidan Dawson (junior men and holding dad Graeme to account with the same score), Darren 'The Venetian' Slattery, Nils Bown and Joel 'Snow' Putnam were the culprits. Steve 'No' Cassell, Phil 'After Lunch' Morris and Chris Brown had 370's, while Anthony Petterson, Cath Chalmers (sans pram) and Shane Henry had to settle for 360's.

Giving the World Masters body a final work out before Clandulla, Nick Dent flew down from Terrigal to pencil 350 - and a chance to podium with the gorgeous Dale Thompson and Carolyn 'Ch Mob' Haupt. 'Jesse James' Jessup was ten back, but led in Julian Ledgers legendary white Tee (330) and the two Rachels (Noble and Merton) on 320. I've got Vicki at 330, I've got Larry and the silent car with 410, I've got Michele at 310, and I think I've also got Ian McKenzie with a perfect zero after walking the entire course to be back exactly 60 minutes late (tell me it isn't true Ian).

In the Legends, Ken Jacobson was well back for 120 (uncharacteristic I have to say), Malcolm Gledhill on 230 and Heiko on 310. I think Ron was less than this after his creek route, but not sure of the final. In the LW's, it looks like Sue Thomson has ten over Janet (180/170), with Anne Stewart back on 110. Viv and Robyn put up 180 walking, as did Lee Lowe. Steve Dunlop chomped 290, to head Rosscoe 'Count Dracula' Duker and Judge Murphy (260's), but allowed Selwyn 'Professor Plum' Roper to slip through for 310. Hilary Wood posted 230, a tenner under fellow coaster David 'Blue' Bowerman, as she too warmed up for the Kandos fun to come. Great to see 'Tensing' in Sydney. Yes siree, good stuff indeed.

On the right hand board, we have to report 'Untitled' with twenty points, and a clutch of perfect zero's - Bates, Bates & Turner being one of them, or maybe an architectural practice registering for the wrong conference. Good to see no matter what the score, and we hope they enjoyed the afternoon. There seemed to be many new faces by the way (boys in blue T shirts), with Dave McKenna indicating that the individual entry number is fast approaching 1,000!!! Blimey, imagine if everyone turned up at once.

Many more interesting scores of course, with quite probably other high ones. But correspondent Pork was under starters orders and had to make a mercy dash to Pyrmont. The word is, to get noticed - run early!

To wrap then (slurping on a Coopers in the semi dark), a tough take and a different take on this area by course setter Dave, with many enjoying the chance to do a bit of bush track work (Lotty, the main fan of the off road offering, appeared to not be there. A pity as 'The Envelope' would have loved it). The additional stuff around 26 was fun - including the pot on top of the cairn (18). Things will be even faster when the boardwalk is finished (on the way to #12), so we might factor another gig here next summer - maybe from Loyal Henry.

With event 23 now astern, we focus on Steve Flick and his promise of new material at Drummoyne next week. This looks like under the bridge at one end and under one again at the other end. No matter what, Steve knows how to set a puzzle and will have us hanging out for a Guinness and tatey after this one. Only three more chances to pull clear of your rivals, so get the runners oiled as we take in yet more Sydney Harbour, Sydney real estate - and Sydney running fun, in flogging the skin off the sausage at Five Dock Bay. Be there!

SIX PACK OF 600's CREATE BEDLAM AT 'THE POINT'

Summer Series history in the making as 'The Hoist', 'The Lending Library', 'Frankenstein', The Akubra' and 'The Noose' all posted 600 big ones at Bedlam Point last night. Well that's actually only five, but the 'six pack' in the title sounds better than a missing bottle - and 'The King of England' was only a whisker back on 590 anyway. Editorial licence at work, and a bit of terrible Pork Pie horse naming (I'm sure you can guess them all anyway).

Yes, it isn't often we get such a slew of podium punchers, and many others so close (Kar-Soon had 580, Dave 'With Two G's' 560 and 'The Viking' 540. Not forgetting Michael 'The Pineapple' Free, crushed by Glenn for 540, Malcolm, Wendy and Gill losing a tenner each to Golden Circle for 530, and Eoin ramming the WA numberplate into contention with a well compiled 500. Super scoring all, at one of our favourite locations - and on a nice evening to boot.

Looks like around 220 took the opportunity to sample the classic hospital buildings and the inevitable 'add-ons' to east and west that always make up the course at Bedlam Point. John Anderson was in charge of the pots and had an evenly balanced distribution on offer from the Banjo. Most of the leaders needed to add something from both sides, with 27 and 28 finding themselves the likely candidates for the drop zone (#9 being a side salad accompaniment to #28). If doing the east, then the western twenty point loop of 14, 16 and 17 were worth the addition, with faster runners adding all the west except #27. The visa-versa eastern story was more complicated because of the two 30 point tempters in #29 and 30. The 8,19,20 and 4 return circle appealed if you didn't fancy the hill south to those two, or the aforementioned 9/28 dash.

In working a loop, the only real puzzle was how to incorporate 11 and 12. Some ran from below (21,1,11,12), while others added them from the top (22,11,12,2). Everything else flowed fairly smoothly, although the odd runner missed the hard to spot #22 - including 'Out Of Africa'. This would have been so much clearer with Sprint O mapping standards and it's medium grey building colour (next seasons Sprint Series perhaps). Lots of good running, and not too much empty distance. Good fun through the door at #3, and under the old bowling club down (or up) to #20. And how many stayed on the old sewer track stairways (1-21) when the shore route was faster? Aaaah!

Hard to pick a lonely pot as most seemed to be well visited - maybe the outpost at #27. Seemed a long way off to me, although Heiko enjoyed the ride there (going west 18-27), as did Michael Free, running it clockwise and uphill (26-27).

As I said, some good scoring. Amongst the mob, the Porkster noted Malcolm and Ted posting 390's in the Legends, ahead of Ron 'The Zulu' Junghans 350, Barry Cole 'Man Hawkins' with 220 and Peter 'Even' Stevens with 210. Ronny is just back from Africa and re engaging the legs once more - but missed 220, so may need to readjust the Christine Craigies! Janet Morris put on 290 in the LW's to keep clear of Anne Stewart (210), while in the SVW's, Sue Thomson's 340 kept 'The Angina' and Mary Jane at bay (320/260), but was no match for Dale 'The Cordial Bottle' Thompson running well into form with 420. Robbie Cameron also carded 420 (in the VW's).

Rachel Noble 'Rot' didn't leave the grapes on the vine too long, with a quick 340 in the juniors - Michele well down this time (290 - an injury? PP saw MD walking at one stage). Duncan 'Doughnut' Currie held 320 in the JM's, and may have headlined here with few other juniors noted before Reschs time tapped the old fella on the shoulder.

Some other good scoring included Dan Dohle with 520 (partner Kelly chompted 440), Mel and Kathy Cox both walking (340/290), Graeme Hill a length back from Warwick (510/490) in the SVM's, and Kenny Jacobson holding hands with John The Bowler Hat' Giles for 360. Rosscoe Duker was way off pace for 160, but this might have been an add error. Seems out of character for the 'Man in the Van'. Larry blasted out 510, but the watch said 49 (Why am I singing about 'The Miner...') and he copped four down. Still good stuff from the Lassoo, and a bragging score to Karin's 410. Lisa 'Starlight' Lampe claimed 370, Jim Merchant had the slide ruler to blame for 400, whereas Lumo finally got into highway mode for 420. Good to see Andrew back into top half scoring after the bloody Carlingford creek encounter some time ago. I've also got President Paul with 440, Terry Murphy with 340, Viv and Jos teaming up for 240, but nobody noted at 140! Emily and Edward (obvious royalty) popped a neat 100, Jane Beamish 'Mash' posted 290 whereas Angela, Mandy and Sue 'T Pudding' got together for their second outing - coming home after drinks with 210. Excellent stuff girls.

A brace of impressive 440's in Wayne Pepper 'Steak', Nathan 'At' Lowe and Clare Murphy. Ian McKenzie managed ten better to outpoint Dave Noble (410) and Steve 'The Swamp' Dunlop (420), and an impressive run from Dan Redfern (400). Meg Croft had the knitting needles flying for 330, but lost a stitch to Julia Prudhoe - taking no prisoners for 380, the same as Stuart 'Bike Lane' McWilliam. I have also got Adolfo 'The G Man' doing a 310 degree tango with Connie (the injured Michael pushing 'The Con' to greater heights) and Dave Stitt. It was a popular score, but the pencil failed just at that moment, and off we raced for the pie and peas.

So, next week, our fourth to last race, has David Gatwood and the Big Feet in charge at UTS Lindfield. The campus precinct adds 'sprint o' flavour to this one, and helps balance the nice bush tracks and the tree lined streets. Good north shore tucker and I'm sure Dave will set us a perler.

Finally some stats. For those that are looking, you will see we are well up on the past two seasons with about 200 more entries in total, and a big increase in individual runners. So far we haven't hit a new record (260+), but are doing consistently high numbers week in, week out. Take a bow SSS addicts, your a great group to be sharing Wednesdays with. Speaking of Wednesdays, we have the three Autumn Evening events finally scheduled (7,14,21 April) and leading up to the night champs. Flyers at next weeks event. Make it a date!

HILL AND HORROCKS GIVE SMOOTHEY A CUDDLE

On a perfect for running, cool Sydney evening, Andy Hill and Glenn Horrocks (returning from broken toe) both pencilled the lot to lead the scoring at Smoothey Park last night. Andrew's 570 (down 2.5) shaded the 'Lending Library' (550 after a 4.5 penalty), although the Yellow Tee would have to be pleased with his run after such a long spell playing Patience. GH fans, and coach Graham, thought he might be returning next outing but the bike and the backpack at the assembly area told a different tale - the 'Rock' was amongst us again!

So, a top night for a jog, and lots took the bait - with maybe around 230 giving the old 2B a chew. Course setter Mel Cox had gone for an east/west spread across the top of this excellent area, eschewing the Greenwich Point oil tanks in favour of a little heavy breathing around the old gas works (coke for diesel you might say). As mentioned in my preview, the devil at Wollstonecraft is always the deceptive Gore Cove track and its ability to absorb time. Well low and behold, Mel was thrown a curly one with the council jumping him with a track upgrade the day before. GC was suddenly off limits, changing the dynamics of the middle section of his course. The Island was still a tempter with 50 points, but suddenly you needed a road run and maybe a bit of steep bush track work to regain height. The focus shifted to the far right, and the far left - with the loop to #21 via #1 as one starter, or the pull up to #20 in your martial arts outfit as the other. More seemed to like the west. Those that went east seemed to be equal measures of 1-21 or just straight 21's. All these starts involved the early onset of bodily warmth, with few seeming to take the cool river route directly to #10.

The western pots were easy enough to collect in a nice loop, with the drop to 28 and 18 needing to be measured with the climb back. Many ran 20,9,29,27,17 after checking with their 'climb-o-meter' and saying "I'll leave those 50 for another day". The east was a different story, more of a Jackson Pollock story. Running down 11,3,22,23 etc worked - but how to add #2,4 or 12? Many left them out, although your correspondent heard of one 'in-out' to 22 before carding 12,4,2,3,11 on the way home from below. While on the subject of 'in-out' scoring, many would have used this ploy to secure #5 & 24 in their east or west running. A very worthwhile forty points.

For what it's worth, my 440 (in 44.30) was east first (1,21,11,3,22) and then down to 23,13,14, in-out to 5 and 24, 26,19,10 and down the creek to 30,8,16 and the puff up to 17 - and then a flog home via 27,29,9 and 20 - carefully avoiding the people in white pajamas! Seemed like a good route for an old goat, and not too far behind Warwick.

Plenty of good comments and different route choices, as one expects. Berry Island not quite tempting enough for me - but it may have been a very different story with the Cove track open. Always good views down there of course, a beautiful knob of Sydney sandstone bush.

My guess for the lonely pot would be #2 - I'm sure everything else was well visited in a night where runners were 'everywhere' on this great map. Thanks Mel and the Bennelong crew. Always a big roll up here, adding to the legend 'the harder the parking, the bigger the numbers'.

Now lets run the eye over some more scoring.

Half a head back from Glenn, Richy Green, Boris, Adrian 'The Paint Tube' White and 'Recalled Prius' Kar-Soon posted excellent 540's, shading a great run from Mounty (530) and our Masters leaders (Free and Annetts) going the bonk with 520. Steve Ryan was off script a touch this week (510), but still billed higher than Dan Dohle and Mal Bradley - both with 500's. Fantastic running from Vet Malcolm here, although pillion passenger Wendy pulled another fast one for ten more. The 'Bus' ain't stopping for no one folks!

Mary Fein held 490 in the MW's to pip Open star Lisa Grant's 480. Lisa might have troubled a fetlock, as she headed off to the vet soon after. Hope it's nothing serious. Other excellent scores from our leading women were Robin Cameron and Sue Login posting 420's, from junior Emily Bronte (ooops, Prudhoe) with 410, Carolyn Haupt on 400 and Super Vet gossip columnist Dale Thommo (watch for her article on 'Route' choice in an upcoming edition of WHO Weekly) - also scratching 400 with the Staedler. The 'Em Ruler' must had the afterburners at work, with her 410 landing her the 100, well clear of rising junior Rachel Noble's 350.

Good to see Bryony 'Frank Sinatra' Cox working the green and orange silks for 270 (no sign of Tim yet), a length clear of Jai 'The Tomatoe' with 250, and Pauline 'Ball' Evans on 240. The same score incidently as Connie McNamee posted, after the 'Con' was escorted on her course by Michael Burton in a rare non-running outing by our Masters leader (a twinge in the foreleg or maybe Pork Pies favourite injury - a groin strain!).

Matthew Hill run strongly for a 460 junior title. Tom 'Westpac' Joss the same. David Bray, Callum Thompson, Mal Roberts and James 'The Headlight' Lucas carded 440's. Larry 'The Lampost' and Ian McKenzie chewed through 430, ahead of a bevy of 420's - including Steve Flick, James 'Volvo' Lithgow and Michael 'The Bandage' Halmy. Shane Henry had his mind on treasury matters and may be disappointed in posting 390, although Selwyn 'Pine Tree Meads' Roper was happy enough with the same score. There was plenty of mid three action - Mal Gledhill leading the Legends with 340 (to Heiko's 300), Steve 'Cross Ply' Dunlop (350), Dan 'All Out, All Change' Redfern (340), James Stuart and David Gatwood holding 330 to Rod 'The Traffic Cop' Parkin and Dave Lotty with 310. Debbie 'In Other Words' Beyers also took home 310.

In the LW's, Janet Morris put 200 up to Anne Stewart's 190 (a close one), with Bev back a bit in the black outfit (130). Some of our groups enjoyed the fun last night, with the 'Normanhurst Map Chiefs' (Robyn and Viv) posting 200, and newbies Angela, Mandy and Sue finding all the hills (and where north lives) for an initial 110. Mick, Robyn and Josh (180) and Jasmine, Jesse and David (160) were also sighted keeping up the goss as they enjoyed the walking and talking category. Long may it continue.

So, a nice cool evening, a big crowd and plenty of running and thinking fun. More, more was the cry! And yes, there is more. Next week sees John Anderson working the magic of Gladesville Hospital. This was the sight of the recent Sprint event, and is always a popular venue. With the suburban stretch on either side of the fantastic old hospital buildings and parks, this river/harbourside map is one of Sydney's most special and hidden spots. Don't miss the views as you jump on a 30 pointer at Banjo Patterson's cottage, or find yourself on the wrong side of the asylum wall at 44.59! Great stuff. and a must run event.

Also note that the Summer Series will be extended, as in previous years, with three Autumn Evening night events into April. We are offering the beach, the bridge and the valley. Details available soon.

GREEN SHARES GLEBE GOLD WITH TOM HANKS

A beautiful warm Sydney evening at Jubilee Oval saw a good roll up of Summer Series funsters (not sure of numbers 200+ I think) give my course a right old bollicking. This is my third outing on this map, and maybe I erred a touch on the tough side. I had expected it to be too hard for the 600/45 combo, especially when I kept adding the annoying non flow pots (like on the pontoon), but hoped for high 500's. I was very happy to hear then of our two leading runners popping a 560 pill each - great running and a share of the spoils to Richard Green (fresh from setting a magnificent Metrogaine) and Steve 'Private' Ryan.

Funny to be sitting in the organisers/'ask me' chair for a change, but with the blessing of being so busy I didn't record any scores! Well a couple maybe. The other benefit is putting a face to all the names I often write about. And yes, you will all become your nicknames! The evening went in a blurr of course, but true to form, we managed a nice dinner and a couple of Squires at the Nags Head before it got too late. I picked up all the pots this morning from 6am - all still hanging in the breeze.

Andy Hill ran the lot for about six over (I think a 540) losing time running west from #25 up the hill and then down Wigram Road and on to 24 not realising the lower path flowed (we will fix the map). He might have been a third winner without this. Also noted 'The Babysitter' Kar-Soon a tenner or so back - might have been 520? Anyway a top flog from the Doc. I think 'The Flickster' was again outdone by Warwick Selby in SVM, and I saw Jim 'Jim Falls' Merchant work the new orthotics for good effect into the mid fours - and keep Don 'The Boot' Roper wide of the posts after nearly identical west/east routes. Jimmy's attack on #7 the difference.

Sorry not to have to many other scores to report (I did hear that Jesso ran a top loop, consisting of 20/30 pointers and only one 10 (#7!) to record a PB 87% score against Mal 'The Boatman' Bradley. Nice). Most seemed to enjoy the outing - and the nice start location (with dunnies that stayed open for a change). There were also lots of new faces - including the lady who competed in fashionable flowing dress and knee high boots. Apparently bought along with friends, she was overheard to say "I didn't realise it was a sporting event"!!).

Maybe some thoughts about the setting.

I'm always keen to give runners a taste of the nice Glebe foreshore, so had to include something there. Also, the old Glebe streets are perfect for creating a puzzle in denying a flowing loop. Pots 26, 18, 17 and 29 all added score value, but needed to fit the outer points flow. The question was when to loop in, or to ignore altogether. I though many might start via 26 and 'kill the hill' before working around the edges. Some did, although by far the bigger number seemed to take off to 20 or 11. The west was easier to flow but needed extra speed to cover the distances. Starting with 11,1,21,12,23 worked for lots of the top stallions (and ignoring the annoying 'in-out' #2. Indeed, if you looked closely, most of the tens could be dropped with impunity - and many competitors recorded their lowest scribble in the top row for years.

Probably the lonely pot would have to be #4 on the Telstra pole (like Telstra - out of favour!). This was there just to curry up the big scorers in working east from 23 via 4 to 22 or 14 (or the other way around of course). Most ignored my smart arsed ploy. Control #25 was in the new little park way down south. I had to have this one, partly because the park is new, but also because it gave a nice west/east sweep across the map, and drew runners further south than may have been prudent. More went there than I thought.

As you know, summer series setters always like a stink pipe, so you got #7 - and also the magnificent Water Board chimney at #16 with it's eerie moaning sounds. Another fun control was #10 at the entrance to the Chinese temple on the northern dragon - a summer series first I think, although this is the year of the tiger, not the dragon. mmmm. Many enjoyed the remnant of the Burley Griffin incinerator (#28), just as many did not enjoy #15 on the seat at the road end. I should have described this simply as 'road end' to avoid confusion (or 'road end above cliff') and was told by a few runners that there was a seat at the end of the small dead-end track nearby just to add to the confusion. Apologies sports fans - and to Dave 'Legless in Lebanon' Lotty who reasonably assumed the seat was at the foot of the cliff, and lost much time. I will do my penance no doubt.

So Glebe over for another year, and we move back north to Wollstonecraft with Mel Cox at the controls. Despite the crappy parking at 'Smoothey' (you have been warned), this venue always seems to attract a record crowd. It's dead easy to come by train of course, as the start is just below the station. Berry Island brings in the eastern side of the Greenwich map and the time absorbing bush tracks in the area. It's another inverted Y presentation with the western points never enough on their own - as are the eastern ones. Mel will no doubt exploit this thinking to the hilt and deliver that old sinking feeling you get as you skirt the Berry Island pots with only ten minutes to go. Great views though! Make it a date.

HILL HOISTS TROPHY AT VINEYARD

Andrew Hill is running back into SSS form with a clean win last night at Vineyard Creek. Andy (OM) began with #24 and worked the south before heading north to the street pots and a crisp 12/4 finish, carding all 600 for four minutes over. Good to see him claim his first 100 points this season, twenty clear of Boris Granovsky's 540 in the same class - also an exceptional run. And how about Michelle White also posting 540. A new runner I think, but what a score! Not to be outshone in all this excitement however, was veteran Mike Burton - also claiming 560 in an amazing run from the old professor. I should have included Michael in the title this week, but was overcome at the clothes line allusion, and have asked 'Burton's Ale' to sit quietly on the sideline (for once). Michael probably ran a more efficient loop than Andrew, leaving out #10 and #1 for his 47 minute outing. Is there no stopping this mad man from Coogee!

Ted Mulherin was our setter last night, in an area reasonably familiar to most SSS addicts, although it's been two years since we amused the neighbours here. Around 180 punters were drawn to the Creek and the challenge of the inverted Y (much like Lake Como in Italy). The street 'cap' north was expected, as were the challenges in the bush track network. The runners can also expect to flog themselves silly with a descent to Kissing Point Road. All was delivered last night. Teddy had us discombobulated in tracks at #16, cursing as we blundered to the boulders at 23, and happy to see the southern car wreck at #6 (last time it was the northern car). The in-out brigade loved the chance to work 4/12 on the level, and everyone loved giving #1 the flick - well just about everyone (this might be my lonely pot).

Lots of route choice action to report, with many beginning into the bush to #13 and south. 13 and north west was also a nice beginning loop, and the start to 24 also had friends (including Andrew). Few seemed to begin directly north. Once in the bush, reality set in, and for many street runners, speeds slowed and directions were not as simple as they seemed back at the car (how many of us see runners stopping after a pot to reset themselves). Once you got the hang of it, it was then a simple eastern side/western side run with the big decision being when to pull out of the nose dive and return. This is where the tempters of 27 and 28 came so cunningly into play - drawing you ever onwards. Those that strayed past #9 to #30 before the return certainly felt the legs burning climbing away from the latter pot. Testing stuff indeed.

Some excellent scoring by the Flash Harry's. The Masters seem to be in all out war with Peter Annetts taking home the ton (520) from Michael 'Jackson' Free (510), Anthony Petterson (500), Chris 'Please Re' Frain (490) and Graham 'The Bible' McLeod with 480. Very musical and in such neat order. Thank you Masters! Mixing into this elite, are SV interlopers - with Graeme 'Doh' Hill pulling the 100 from Wazza 490 to 480. Neil 'And Say Your Prayers' Hawthorn and Pork Pie stayed in touch with 450's in the same elderly men category, clear, for once, of the Ian's (Cameron and McKenzie with 440 apiece). In the living Legends, Heiko had a fall in the creek and twisted his knee for twenty minutes over, Kenny Jacobson took home 370 toilet rolls, with Mal Gledhill also carding the same score. This might be the hundred here with LM threat Ron Junghans currently lost in Africa, Eric 'Clapton' Smith only playing Layla for 330 minutes and Peter 'Saint' Stevens holding the good book open at page 100. Barry 'The Railway Scrapyard' Cole was not sighted.

In the LW category, Janet Morris ran well clear of Anne Stewart (260/160) to claim another win. The juniors saw Aidan Dawson hold onto a strong 390 lead in the men (young Chris Hinds enjoyed 150), with sister Michele blasting past for 420 in JW - a great score from the 'Four String'. Rachel 'On Wheels' Noble was off pace with 280, and will probably go 'light font' this week. Emily 'Burdened By Her Family' Prudhoe also scored 'something' in JW, but at the time of going to press didn't know what it was - "I went down, and came back up". Classic!

Our Open Girls seemed to enjoy themselves, with Vicki Stitt and Rachel 'The Apartment King' Merton both staying amidships for 300, Clare Murphy having more fun with 390, Carolyn Haupt flying for 430, Lisa Grant in the clubhouse with 460 - but all seemingly parked at the Coke machine as Gill Fowler roared past, piling on an incredible 520. A great run from Gilbo, who had many of the fancied blokes well below her on the magnetic board. I'm guessing she loves 'The Y'. The OM's also had some top scoring with Tom Joss 'Stick' carding 410, Chris Brown moving up a gear for 440 and Dave Hegarty tucking in twenty more for 460. As has been apparent recently, the Masters Men seem to be giving the score board a rattle more than the Open blokes, although there may be more open scoring that 'The Pork' missed in his early dash to the West Ryde.

Cath Chalmers (MW) ran well for 320, but was well beaten by star orienteer Mary Fein with 480. Mr Cath (Eoin Rothery) is also finding his feet in Sydney, posting a strong 470 in the vets, just behind the man on the BSA Mal Bradley, who ran all except #1 for nine over (500). Bigger gaps in veteran women, with Wendy jotting down a sensational 520, and giving little comfort to Lisa 'Bedside' Lampe (260) or the normally competitive Robin Cameron (380) and Karin Hefftner (420 - still a great run from the sports car, and not far behind mate Larry 'The Brake Pedal' Weiss's 460).

In the Super Vets, I also note Jim Merchant holding the calf for 370, but clear of club mates Ernest 'Wind Song' (320) and David 'The Bird' Bowerman (360), and Dave Lotty's 340, but doffing their caps to Selwyn 'The House of Usher' Roper (400) - and a top run from the Queen Mother, Michael 'Gordons For Me' Roylance with 420 - one of his best outing this series. Steve 'The Hollow Log' Holloway is in need of better feed after posting 260 and retiring to the calculator. Always next time Steve!

A couple of others noted in HB with a shakey hand were Sandra Thomas for a perfect zero, Rose Todd (OW) 210 (next week 297 for the A4 award Rose?), Nicole Sellin (also OW) a ton more with 310 (as did Debbie Byers). Dale Thompson scored 310 after a nine minute late penalty, but kept Jai DT (260) in the waiting room in the same Super Vet category. Jai probably slipped back a touch last night getting the hang of the bush tracks - tricky most maps, and particularly so here west of the creek. Time Jai, it just takes time.

So, event #19 behind us (big thanks to Ted and the WHO crew) and on we plunge to Glebe. I have cast the knucklebones far and wide and found a few more choice spots to rest while doing the pottery tango. Expect to get the scenic stuff around the foreshore (including a wharf), a 'new' park (naturally a 30 pointer), a boulder, a fantastic big brick chimney and, best of all, the 'northern dragon'. The start is in the Jubilee Oval 'grandstand' with good cover. Come by light rail, come by bus - even come by car! But make sure you come. The competition is really hotting up and this might be your night to fly. Lots of apres run dining spots and pubs to factor in around Glebe and Annandale (I heard a whisper of the Nags Head). It's going to be a biggie!

THE PANAMA FIRED UP AT THE BRICK

A massive turn out last night witnessed Brendan 'Panama' Hatton go close with a brilliant 580 pointer. The 'Hat' had a touch more in hand at the photo to finish a half head from 'Private' Ryan and Richard 'Rough Open' Green (both 570), and a brace of 550's (Adrian 'The Plug' White and recently returned Andy Hill) on this demanding and fantastic course. Trackside reporter Pork Pie, is not sure if 'The Canal' ran the lot for plus twenty, or judiciously left out a twenty pointer. Richy Green left off #3 and #11 for an on-timer, and I wouldn't be suprised if others did the same - #11 was a hot candidate for the 'loopsters flick' (a well known tango step amongst thinking runners).

Course setter Larry Weiss created another SSS masterpiece on an area we have not used for some years (mores the pity). The Lassoo added a bit of new material (#13,20,22 area) to the old map and went for a wide spread. There was almost a halo effect with close groupings around the east and to the north. The middle streets looked pointy, but involved much scratching the bean to get the in-out optimal. This area, although easy running and pot locating, needed a bit of speed to cover the deceptive distances involved. Competitors starting west (not many looking at later proceedings), had the legs burning at #22 with only 70 points to show for the flog.

The majority felt the lure of the bush and dashed off to #27 where running speed dropped in proportion to thinking speed. Although 4, 7 and 28 fell easily enough, the tracks to 27 needed concentration. The map in these parts needs an update as much has altered, including a 'track' between 28-6 that has disappeared. Still, those that concentrated soon emerged to cuddle #30 before the roll of the dice. This was the decision to take the water route or to bend back to the street stuff. Many old hands avoided the mangrove track, remembering lost time here on past outings, or bit the bullet and plunged down via #10 hoping for clean sites (which they were). Although maybe a bit slow, it is very pleasant running and offered 70 bikkies - and a nice way to get to the north west tempters. Many took the bait.

Of interest is Michael Burton's route. Sweeping all on the east and north, he left off #17 (running 18-23-22 and then curving back north to 13-20-21-9 etc) and also planned to drop #11 from the homeward trip, when spare (!) minutes rendered the two ones within reach. Strangely the new twenty point claim took two minutes over for no net benefit. Nice run though. Ronny 'The Pumpkin' Junghans modest but very effective route is also of interest, eschewing many biggies but posting 410. Ronaldo went east then 6-30-11-14-15-2-24-16-18-17-21-9-25-12-1 home. Very tidy. Pork Pie ran further for ten less! Drinks on the soccer star after he returns from planting Christmas trees in Africa methinks.

Lots of good mid course options this week, always a good thing. Thanks Larry! As to a lonely pot, really hard to pick one. Maybe #8, maybe #23? Number three might have also sat out the dance, although you missed the map naming point if you avoided this one (and enjoyed Larry's 'brick' in the creek!)

Looking deeply through the schooner glass (Resches of course), we can see some excellent scoring amongst the Summer Series ponies. How about a couple more 500's - Tim 'The Boat' Rogers and Tim Austin '7' both taking ten from Michael Free in the Masters (540/530), Kar-Soon gowning up for 520 and Boris Granovski 'Yoghurt' spooning a tidy 510. Good scoring that had the fans collecting. Down in the high fours, the elbows were flying as Lisa Grant led a phalanx of 490's (Dave Heggarty, Shane Henry, Warwick Selby), a slip of the pencil from Eoin Rothert (vets) and Gill Fowler (open) on 480 and a further spoon full of sugar to Mary Fein 'Ted', Glenn Meyer and Anthony 'I Shrunk The Kids' Dowle (470's). Vets Michael Halmy and Jim McLean (450/460) had a tenner over their Super rivals Ian 'The Gladstone Bag' Cameron and Steve Flick (yet to post a ton this programme), while a trio of Open nags kicked 410 into the kitty (Vicki Stitt, Nils 'By Mouth' Bown and Stephen 'The Corset' Cossell).

In the juniors, Michele Dawson worked a loose rein for 350 to take the points from rising star Rachel Noble (320). I didn't get too many other junior scores, but did enjoy Clare Winnick 'winning' with 80. Go Clare! At the other end of the draw, Janet (230) had too many beans for Bev (140) and Anne Stewart (150) in VW, while Carol Jacobson was seen back from her recent Routeburn Track diversion and took the SVW points. Angela Murray posted 250 ahead of Sue Thomson's 200 in the same class. The Legendary blokes had the loose underware flying as well, with Ron's 410 taking the cake in LM after Heiko managed to becalm himself - and was dockside twenty minutes late! Mal Gledhill spent too long looking at the map and was off pace for 330, Kenny Jacobson had 290 South Island sandflies, as did Chippy (290 that is) to touch out David 'Woodgrain' Dash and Tim 'The Toolman' Cox. Barry 'The Locomotive' Cole enjoyed his usual early run for a neat 200 in the same group.

Some good 300 mid filed scoring worth noting if you've got a tick. Rod 'The Interview' Parkin had 320 on the note pad, as did Ian 'Focacia' Miller. Other SVM's had a touch more over Ian however, with 'Pope' Paul Prudhoe and Selwyn 'Yard' Roper posting 390 and an unlikely trio 'of deserts' sharing 350 (Lotty, Forbes and Gatwood). Michael Roylance had only 250 to his credit for some reason, unusual for His Lordship to let mate Davy Gat take a ton from him. Might have been something he ate for afternoon tea. In another mixed bunch, Helen Murphy, Dave Stitt (both SV's) and Debbie Byers (V) joined hands for 270, but were shaded by Bryony (in a rare but welcome appearance) who had ten more. Jai Detomasso carded a PB (340), and is getting a strong handle on the series. Robin Cameron (390) had more petrol than Dale (350), although The Dee is up a class of course.

Malcolm and Wendy flew, as did Peter 'Not In' Hibberd, although exact points didn't get the biro. James 'I Love Art' Lithgow was disappointed for 400. After a great early loop, The Groom had a flash of late course madness (probably distracted by thinking of the pie and peas at The Woolwich Pier to come), and worked a direct route from 28-26 via the cliff line! The light green shading is apparently not a true vegetation representation here, as James battled on - losing much time. A true son of orienteering.

It looks like it might have been our biggest roll up to date with 2 maps left from 240. No matter what the exact 'entry' figure, it was a great turn out, and an outstanding event. Great to have the mix of street, park and bush running so well embraced. We will be back.

Next week sees a return to Vineyard Creek at Telopea and Ted Mulherin working his usual magic on this top venue. The bush tracks are great running, as are the parks and streets, in what is a classic 'out and back' venue. Be there to catch more of the action as things hot up in this great season. The week following I get to turn the thumbscrews at Glebe. As usual, lots of great views and history - and a new park to boot!

Also, while I'm in plugging mode, don't forget my sprint event next Monday (8th) at Gladesville Hospital - the sixth in this great series. All Sportident units and lots of route choice as you work the 1:5000 detail. Yes!