600's POSTED AT DR MATT'S PUNT
On a warm and beautiful Sydney evening, Brendan 'The Trilby' Hatton and Richard Green 'But Not Heard', flew the Cabarita course to post perfect full 600 point scores. They were joined by around 200 other Summer Series addicts at this fantastic harbourside (or is that riverside) location that features the old AGL gasworks development (now known as Breakfast Point), and the sublime Cabarita Point Park. Dr Matt Peters, well known for past outings at Joeys, was our pot man - and didn't disappoint with a full spread across the page. Daunting until you realised the map scale was 1:7,500!
The course featured a nice left turn at #30 which most runners seemed to take. A few contrary types plugged for 29, or 30-29 to begin their meals. There was a nice tangle in the Breakfast Pt area itself, giving the loopsters much to chew on, before the breakout north to 22/23 and/or west to the killers 21-11-1. The hard one to capture for the 'second tier' was probably #14 - just too far off line on the 26-4-5 route, but a nagger all the same. Those with a touch of rocket fuel plugged for a 5-21-14-26 return, missing #4, and ignoring the siren song of 11 and 1. This was a good way of boosting beyond the standard central 510, but did entail a bit of leggy stretch. Many OM's and MM's worked the tangle of western streets to this effect - even the old plodder Waz Selby, found himself out there (happy 60th tomorrow Warwick!!).
This will be a great sprint O map when all developments are finished, with lots of fun in the connecting lanes and gardens. Running the foreshore tracks and boardwalks (great between 3 and 23) and around the parks here is just a buzz. The yummy contrast when you duck into the developed areas - and then out again to the views and grassy stuff is fantastic. Control # 27 on the knoll was surely on of Sydney's great Summer Series spots. A great SSS venue, set to get better as the years roll on.
Looking at some of the route options. Many competitors looked to work all the inner Breakfast Point apartment points (8-16-28-25-15) on their outer run, coming home from the north via 13-24-5-26-6-7 and the 20 and up. Others separated them with a 28-15 outer and a 25-6 inner. Much fun and nice flat running (a nice change from last, and next!, week). Although #10 didn't have many fans, I think #4 might be our lonely pot. Too hard for the slower 'inner' runners, and not enough potatoes for the big guns. Nice setting here Matt. Always good to plonk one down somewhere that gets us all worked up in a fug of 'will I or won't I'.
So, back to some of the scoring.
As well as our two golds, there were several nearly made it's. Steve 'The Pencil' Ryan and Rob Mason were a scratch away for 590, Lisa 'The Schooner of Gin' Grant, Kar-Soon and Anthony Peterson carded 580, while Davy 'The Gravy' Bray and Graeme McLeod were out a touch wider on the turn for 570. Not bad, not bad at all thinks the old Porkster. Of interest was Steve leaving off #10 in his on-time outing, and Lisa shunning #4 for her seconds over run. Amazing stuff from these two stars.
Other great scores noted by the man in the trilby, were Pete Annetts working the sweat band for 560, Michael Free cunningly giving his rivals a bit of unexpected lolly with 550 and home four minutes early (planning Michael, planning!), and junior Matty Hill posting 540. Get that. Mathew is still a JM!! And while we are thinking 'Hill', how about mum Barb going the bolt for the same 540! Tony, I know how you feel.
Chris 'Door' Frane and Graeme Hill grabbed 530, Jo 'Jo Zep & The Falcons' Sinclair pocketed 520, followed by a posse of 510's - Ian Cameron and Steve Flick in SVM and Mark Robinson and Mel Cox in VM. Good to see Gary Farebrother working 500 into the score book, and Dave 'Poached' Heggarty shy ten for 490. Richard Morris also held 490, which seemed low for the Morry Minor. Maybe back early.
In the Legends, Heiko and Ron held hands for 460, to be well clear of fellow LM's Mal Gledhill (420), Eric 'Clapton' Smith (360), Chris Crane 'On The Plain' (290), Barry 'Tread' Cole (280) and Peter 'In The Clubhouse' Stevens with 200. Janet Morris took the LW points, with Beverly 'Bird' Johnson carding a remarkable minus 210! Bev must have gone on a serious walk, or stopped at the Palace for a Resches (as we did later - but you knew that didn't you!). Sue Thommo posted a strong 350 in the SVW's, enjoying the course - and Carol Jacobson's absence tramping the Routeburn Track with young Kenny (no, not that Kenny!). Other junior scores noted were Michele Dawson's 440 - well clear of brother Dan's 380, and Siobhan Wilde (Dave's niece not granddaughter) with 190 big red and white ones. Hard also not to enjoy 'Alex, Duck and Hannah' once again on the board with 110. The legend is building!
More scores? All right, all right, settle down - I've got a few more (no rain you see). How about the great Robin Cameron, running in pink sox for 480 (same as Chris 'Taker' O'Neil in OW and Dave 'I'm Off' Lotty in SVM). Jim Merchant had the Culoul Creek Tee on the drip for 470, a shade behind All Black flanker Selwyn 'Toogood' Roper's 480, but in front of Ian 'Business Machines' Miller (440) and Terry 'The Weight of the Law is Upon you my Son' Murphy's 400.
'Noah' Mark Schaefer walked for 330 (a planter f prob rears its head). Mike Hanratty, back from three months in Europe (and a touch of the shivery grass), ran his debut this series for 300. Adrian 'The Drainpipe' Steele is back running and on the boil with a few mates, carding 430, Lisa Lampe worked the Uringa O top well for 380, ten behind Caitlin Anderson's 390. Good to see the 'Biscuit Tin' reclaiming her running form after recent mumdom. Carolyn 'Iment' Haupt ran an excellent 450, Ross 'RKO' Duker and Melissa Selby were unlikely partners on 430, but none the less in front of a subdued Wayne Pepper and Julia Prudhoe's 400 odd.
Given that Masters star Glenn 'The Toecutter' Horrocks absence, good to see the family well represented by dad Graham pushing hard for 330 points in the Super Vets. And for those that didn't hear, Glenn has a broken toe (don't blame the sofa) and will be out of action for six weeks! Betting in the Masters has suddenly become frantic, as the top ten get the renewed itch for gold.
There were many more great scores - some best of season, some going into the light type. The Pork Pie pencil has ground down to a stub in reporting on yet another great event. Next week we fly east to Manly Dam where Terry Bluett (the man behind the Monday Sprint O series) has a treat in store. Terry has added some bush work to last years Burnt Bridge, so expect a little more challenge as we flog our sox off at The Dam! Beauty.
And just before folding the camp stool, a little more news. Andrew Hill is heading home after his year in the UK, and may just be on the lick next week. Graeme thinks he won't be fit - but we all know that means 590 rather than 600! Be great to see Andy back. Also, many of you might have noticed the great numbers we are building in this years series. After 15, we have 628 individual nags on the paddock, as opposed to 676 for all of last season - could be a record sniff given we still have eleven events to report. Bring you friends, bring grandma! The more the merrier, with still lots of fantastic racing to come. Not to mention new maps and some very cunning course setters out to test the ponies (and some nice pubs to ponder the 'if only's').
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Biting off too much at Granny Smith
This was the refrain of many returning runners at last nights 'Devlin's Downpour', as they found themselves seriously overtime getting back from far flung high point tempters. And spare a thought for the later starters. Finding #29 in good light was a trick (especially coming from the east), but the 6.30-6.45 brigade (and there seemed lots) would have flogged off into the bush here in the gathering gloom only to find the heavens open and the T Shirt going into serious droop. Always a great Summer Series combo, the gloom and doom scenario!
Course setter, and Summer Series Veteran superstar Mike 'Just Do It' Burton, was in charge (perhaps not of the weather), and crafted a huge spread of controls from tiny Ray Park (and the Granny Smith apple tree) to all points of the Epping/Beecroft map. The first glance said 'tough' - and subsequent study confirmed the opinion. In fact, so cunning and devilish was Michael control deployment, that the string brigade got more and more puzzled trying to work a loop, bringing on headaches and a sense of deep despair. Eventually, even the most composed competitor just said 'bugger it', and launched off on their run - hoping there might be a McKillop moment somewhere along the way that would create a sensible route.
The big points were mostly at the extremities, creating the need to add more distance than experience suggested was sensible. How to begin? Many liked the northern exit via 29 and 30, and then 'something' over the freeway. The loop back via the south east worked, although you had to do the odd in/out to capture both 28 and 20. Others began with the friendly 50 points (2,12,11) that led to the south east from the other direction, with the nice string northwards from 27 to 25 making sense. Those with more ambition charged further north to grab 18 and 24 before the bush track work back to the interesting stuff under the M2. Yet others racked their brains in trying to get the bevy of shy twenty pointers to the west (13,14,15,16) into bed (VM Larry 'The Ratcatcher' Weiss managed this with his 29,30,25,north,17in/out,6,15,16,5,14,13,22 route and it's fast flog home via 4 and 3).
Unbelievable as it sounds, several competitors forgot to bag #1 (including Pork Pie - who thought it would be a nice finisher, but lost the notion in a blurr of late running desperation charging home from 29). At 51.10, there were enough seconds left to do the tango with Granny, but..... Always next week I hear you say.
Looking at the course, it's hard to find a lonely pot, as all seemed to be on someone's radar (a sign of excellent course setting of course). There seemed to be plenty of runners everywhere, many with that grim look that comes with the sobering realisation that "I'm going to be late"!!! Maybe the two western 30 pointers (22/23) didn't get many licking the 2B, but we will have to await the McKenna analysis to be sure. All in all, a real puzzler with low scores the order of the day - but lots of pressure orienteering decision making, planning and then re-planning adding to the event satisfaction. Well, course setter satisfaction!
Because I vamoosed just as the storm broke, my score recording is very incomplete. However, the following give some picture of proceedings. Rob Mason 'Ic Temple' had the robes flying in Open Men for 500 points - a fantastic run that must have seen him to all parts of the map. Not far off this pace were a brace of Masters, including John 'The Strangler' Havranek carding 470, Michael Free (440) and Pete 'Poselthwaite' Annetts enjoying the wide screen for 420.
In the older categories, Wazzo posted 330, behind an excellent run from Ian 'Doc' Cameron (350), and a goodie by Dave 'Mr Orienteering' Lotty with 320. I have a report of Warwick, with time on his hands, running an extra 130 points and taking twelve minutes to do it. This would have to be about the lowest conversion rate he has ever run and may be celebrated in years to come as 'doing a wazza'! These nags are all Super Vets of course and we know they are just filling in time before the real Wednesday purpose - going for a pie, peas and a Resches!
I also note Legend Barry Cole, burning up the map shouting 'Ole, Ole' for 200 nice ones, Angela Murray putting on twenty more (220) to shade Sue Thompson's 170 in the SVW's, and Karin and Robin trading blows in the Veteran Women's stakes (with 'Special K' holding ten over the 'Bin Liner' - 270 to 260). In the juniors, the Dawson brigade were out in force with Aidan impressing with 310 and Michele on fire with 330. Fantastic scoring from both the junior Doors. Others noted before my rain sodden departure, was a nice 340 by Paula Shingler, Mel Cox working the eastern sector for a neat 400, Dad Dawson bringing in the Airbus for 380 points (mystical) and Simon 'Build it and they will come' Barr upsetting the old man at last with 310 to his feeble 290.
James 'The Ghost' Lithgow made a rare appearance and ran up 390 plus five for a 340 score - and wondering (like many I suspect) why it took so long to get home from 19. Good to see the Mack Truck back, although he is off again next week, so the VM rivals can 'rest easy'. I also have a note of MW Rachel Merton posting an even 300, and MM Shane Henry emptying the Treasury coffers for a well run 380. Oh, and I also saw Kathy Cox had plonked down 170 in the walkers comp.
Not many scores I'm afraid, and not sure who 'won'. I noted Glenn Horrocks was there but didn't see his score. It will be interesting to see his all points route and time when the results are posted - maybe not that pretty! All will be revealed soon.
So a great outing at Beecroft/Epping, and a different take to the usual Cheltenham Oval assembly area (both with crappy parking which I must note). With event 15 now behind us, we now turn to #16 at Breakfast Point where Dr Matt Peters will have the large hypodermic out as he works the outing on this fantastic harbourside area. This used to be the old AGL gasworks site, and it's subsequent transformation into residential building and parkland gives lots of opportunities to plan a cunning course. Matt is an old Summer Seres hand and is sure to make this a cracker. Mostly level (a nice change!), this should be a crowd pleaser. Get the runners oiled up and make it a date!
This was the refrain of many returning runners at last nights 'Devlin's Downpour', as they found themselves seriously overtime getting back from far flung high point tempters. And spare a thought for the later starters. Finding #29 in good light was a trick (especially coming from the east), but the 6.30-6.45 brigade (and there seemed lots) would have flogged off into the bush here in the gathering gloom only to find the heavens open and the T Shirt going into serious droop. Always a great Summer Series combo, the gloom and doom scenario!
Course setter, and Summer Series Veteran superstar Mike 'Just Do It' Burton, was in charge (perhaps not of the weather), and crafted a huge spread of controls from tiny Ray Park (and the Granny Smith apple tree) to all points of the Epping/Beecroft map. The first glance said 'tough' - and subsequent study confirmed the opinion. In fact, so cunning and devilish was Michael control deployment, that the string brigade got more and more puzzled trying to work a loop, bringing on headaches and a sense of deep despair. Eventually, even the most composed competitor just said 'bugger it', and launched off on their run - hoping there might be a McKillop moment somewhere along the way that would create a sensible route.
The big points were mostly at the extremities, creating the need to add more distance than experience suggested was sensible. How to begin? Many liked the northern exit via 29 and 30, and then 'something' over the freeway. The loop back via the south east worked, although you had to do the odd in/out to capture both 28 and 20. Others began with the friendly 50 points (2,12,11) that led to the south east from the other direction, with the nice string northwards from 27 to 25 making sense. Those with more ambition charged further north to grab 18 and 24 before the bush track work back to the interesting stuff under the M2. Yet others racked their brains in trying to get the bevy of shy twenty pointers to the west (13,14,15,16) into bed (VM Larry 'The Ratcatcher' Weiss managed this with his 29,30,25,north,17in/out,6,15,16,5,14,13,22 route and it's fast flog home via 4 and 3).
Unbelievable as it sounds, several competitors forgot to bag #1 (including Pork Pie - who thought it would be a nice finisher, but lost the notion in a blurr of late running desperation charging home from 29). At 51.10, there were enough seconds left to do the tango with Granny, but..... Always next week I hear you say.
Looking at the course, it's hard to find a lonely pot, as all seemed to be on someone's radar (a sign of excellent course setting of course). There seemed to be plenty of runners everywhere, many with that grim look that comes with the sobering realisation that "I'm going to be late"!!! Maybe the two western 30 pointers (22/23) didn't get many licking the 2B, but we will have to await the McKenna analysis to be sure. All in all, a real puzzler with low scores the order of the day - but lots of pressure orienteering decision making, planning and then re-planning adding to the event satisfaction. Well, course setter satisfaction!
Because I vamoosed just as the storm broke, my score recording is very incomplete. However, the following give some picture of proceedings. Rob Mason 'Ic Temple' had the robes flying in Open Men for 500 points - a fantastic run that must have seen him to all parts of the map. Not far off this pace were a brace of Masters, including John 'The Strangler' Havranek carding 470, Michael Free (440) and Pete 'Poselthwaite' Annetts enjoying the wide screen for 420.
In the older categories, Wazzo posted 330, behind an excellent run from Ian 'Doc' Cameron (350), and a goodie by Dave 'Mr Orienteering' Lotty with 320. I have a report of Warwick, with time on his hands, running an extra 130 points and taking twelve minutes to do it. This would have to be about the lowest conversion rate he has ever run and may be celebrated in years to come as 'doing a wazza'! These nags are all Super Vets of course and we know they are just filling in time before the real Wednesday purpose - going for a pie, peas and a Resches!
I also note Legend Barry Cole, burning up the map shouting 'Ole, Ole' for 200 nice ones, Angela Murray putting on twenty more (220) to shade Sue Thompson's 170 in the SVW's, and Karin and Robin trading blows in the Veteran Women's stakes (with 'Special K' holding ten over the 'Bin Liner' - 270 to 260). In the juniors, the Dawson brigade were out in force with Aidan impressing with 310 and Michele on fire with 330. Fantastic scoring from both the junior Doors. Others noted before my rain sodden departure, was a nice 340 by Paula Shingler, Mel Cox working the eastern sector for a neat 400, Dad Dawson bringing in the Airbus for 380 points (mystical) and Simon 'Build it and they will come' Barr upsetting the old man at last with 310 to his feeble 290.
James 'The Ghost' Lithgow made a rare appearance and ran up 390 plus five for a 340 score - and wondering (like many I suspect) why it took so long to get home from 19. Good to see the Mack Truck back, although he is off again next week, so the VM rivals can 'rest easy'. I also have a note of MW Rachel Merton posting an even 300, and MM Shane Henry emptying the Treasury coffers for a well run 380. Oh, and I also saw Kathy Cox had plonked down 170 in the walkers comp.
Not many scores I'm afraid, and not sure who 'won'. I noted Glenn Horrocks was there but didn't see his score. It will be interesting to see his all points route and time when the results are posted - maybe not that pretty! All will be revealed soon.
So a great outing at Beecroft/Epping, and a different take to the usual Cheltenham Oval assembly area (both with crappy parking which I must note). With event 15 now behind us, we now turn to #16 at Breakfast Point where Dr Matt Peters will have the large hypodermic out as he works the outing on this fantastic harbourside area. This used to be the old AGL gasworks site, and it's subsequent transformation into residential building and parkland gives lots of opportunities to plan a cunning course. Matt is an old Summer Seres hand and is sure to make this a cracker. Mostly level (a nice change!), this should be a crowd pleaser. Get the runners oiled up and make it a date!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
RYAN ON FIRE AT FOLLY
The steep Cremorne hills proved no problem for OM star Steve Ryan - posting an impressive 590 points in a big field at Folly Point last night. Steve has burst onto the Summer Series scene this season and records his second win here in emphatic form - 30 points clear of Richard Green. The 'Gee' was on the bolt with a late flog, penciling 580, although caught by a minute plus. Despite not holding the nights 100, it was still another excellent run by Richard, with these two stars starting to deliver a very interesting contest amongst our prize stallions.
And so, lets set the scene. The weather held up with no sign of the promised thunderstorm or rain - in fact early starters like stalwart Barry 'The Steam Train Graveyard' Cole, had to contend with hot and steamy conditions. Junior orienteering star Michele 'JWOC Here I Come' Dawson was our course setter, and offered an eastern take on the area - rather in the manner of Ron 'Son Lighter' Junghans remap a couple of years ago. Those that remember Ron's course, and it's highest scores in the 400's, were relieved that Michele had not taken on board too much Willoughby Bay juice, and confined herself to a more gettable spread. And so it transpired of course, with 'The Private' going close to a perfect result.
Looking at the map, one was struck with a sudden recollection of the contour line nightmare, and the dread thought of the upsey to come. No way of avoiding the issue of course, the question then became which way to go aerial. Many couldn't resist the 100 points to the south as a way to get their shopping started, others liked to add #17 on the way out, while others were seen gently walking the track to/from 16. I suspect most liked the thought of a fast run home downhill from 24/3, and the finish desk definitely had an ear in that direction.
The big pots were well spread, with a couple of testing outliers to reward or bring the overly ambitious undone. 15 and 28 looked the killers, especially when you had to go down and up twice to pencil the buggers, before the puff back. Hard yakka and only for the brave or very fit. The other nasty was #21 (lonely pot?), sitting upon the impossible cliff and requiring a circuitous route to pin. Ronny had one here of course, and I remember the view being rather good - there was even a bench to rest there! The only awkward bits (apart from the turn back decision), was working the #19 to 23 connection to maximum effect and figuring out how to incorporate #13. The rest surrendered to a nice circle. Anthony 'The Bear' Petterson ran a typical loop, working south to start (ignoring #9), oddly missing #2 in running 1-11-22-23, picking up speed in the middle, before a touch of contour kissing in 29-27-15-28-25 and the flog home in 47 minutes for 500.
Many runners did something similar, turning for home at 6-25, or 6-29-25, and hoping to bag 16 as an out-and-back 20 that might only take ten. Michael Burton had this in mind, but figured on a more direct route home from 16 - down through the green to the creek and the horrible realisation that the creek bank/wall was too high to climb. Michael (580 minus 40) did his time here running back along the watercourse towards #30 before he could escape! Simon Barr also got caught here, where, with five minutes to spare at #16, he decided to pull on a little puff work and bag #9! Those of us that know the area are not suprised that his time elapsed just as he got to the pot - with arrears building on the drop home. SB is out to beat the old man, but will have to wait another week it seems.
Looking at some more of the scoring reveals a group carding 540 (Veteran Burton plus Open stars Grant, Mason and Dowle), a half head from Masters, Pete Annetts and Mike Free, Vet Malcolm Bradley and OW star Jo Sinclair - all with 530. Jo and Lisa are going great guns in the OW's and making this a real contest. The members are getting excited folks!
Mary Fein continued to pile on the points with an impressive 520, ten from Wendy and Graeme McLeod 'Noise', with Glenn Meyer, Eoin Rothery and Tracy going a fifer each. There were plenty of ponies just under the magic five - including Kar Soon and suspiciously well tanned Super Vet, Warwick 'Please Turn Over' Selby with 490, Paula Shingler (great to see Pope Paul flying again), Davy Bray, Larry and Tim Rogers with 480, and Richard 'Daddy' Morris, Steve Flick and the Hawthorn football club with 470. In the Legends department, Ron had ten bob over Heiko (430/420) in the mens waiting room (didn't see Malcolm on the paddock), with Bev Johnson working the water bottle for 230 in the WL's. Janet was there, but I didn't check her score - probably another biggie.
Some good running to report amongst our juniors, with Rachel Noble doing something around the 400 mark (exceptional stuff), while Garingal tiger, Aidan Dawson, scorched the course with 360 in the JM's. Also nice to see Siobhan 'D Stand' Wilde posting 210 and keeping grandpa Dave in touch, and Tim's twosome having fun (Amy Rogers with 140 giving up ten red Smarties to Sam's 150). Without seeing his score, it was great to note 5 year old Kyle McGregor enjoying a run and coming home in 44 minutes 50 seconds. Dad Gary was most envious at the timing.
A couple of other random scores noted by the Pie Face were: Mike Hooppell carding 330 in the Super Vets, Selwyn 'I Dream of a Lion Brown' Roper adding a hundred more for 430 to put a bit of hair across President Paul (380) in the same class, who, none the less, had ten in hand from Terry Murphy's 370. Best not to upset the judge Paul! Robin Cameron ran strongly for 420 in the Veteran Women, Vicki Stitt turned to page 440 in the Opens and Sooze Login carded 460 in the Masters. Good to see The Log pull out wide and take the points away from The Old Mother. Clare Murphy had dad's measure with 390, the same score as Uringa stablemate Lisa Lampe posted (Lisa, I think there is something there with this 'Lampe' and 'Posted' - maybe I'll save it for the next Guide!). Kerry 'Time to Change the' Napper was ten in arrears with 380, and I seem to recall Mr YHA, Julian 'The T Shirt as Robe' Ledger, also having pencilled this little pearler.
In the SVW's, Sue Thomson and Angela Murray held hands for 290, but didn't have the route to trouble leading SV, Carol Jacobson, and her tidy 340. No doubt Carol's sporting of the elusive Summer Series T Shirt was the difference. Cheryl Bluett runs in this class of course, and is often seen out early enjoying herself. Last night's 30 points perhaps being more modest than usual though. Also posting the same score were the M&M's, Mel Cox and Melissa Selby. They both considered 510, and then, upon greeting the first contour, thought better of it and rested the hamstrings for a tidy 410 instead.
All good stuff, and just a snapshot of a great night. Numbers looked to be above 200 with lots of new faces and groups enjoying the fun. Next week Michael Burton offers someone else the hundred as he sets us up for a bit of a bash at Epping/Beecroft. This area has a number of bush tracks, including the interesting stuff below(!) the tollway. Always a goodie, but could be a cracker with the speedster in charge. Make it a date.
The steep Cremorne hills proved no problem for OM star Steve Ryan - posting an impressive 590 points in a big field at Folly Point last night. Steve has burst onto the Summer Series scene this season and records his second win here in emphatic form - 30 points clear of Richard Green. The 'Gee' was on the bolt with a late flog, penciling 580, although caught by a minute plus. Despite not holding the nights 100, it was still another excellent run by Richard, with these two stars starting to deliver a very interesting contest amongst our prize stallions.
And so, lets set the scene. The weather held up with no sign of the promised thunderstorm or rain - in fact early starters like stalwart Barry 'The Steam Train Graveyard' Cole, had to contend with hot and steamy conditions. Junior orienteering star Michele 'JWOC Here I Come' Dawson was our course setter, and offered an eastern take on the area - rather in the manner of Ron 'Son Lighter' Junghans remap a couple of years ago. Those that remember Ron's course, and it's highest scores in the 400's, were relieved that Michele had not taken on board too much Willoughby Bay juice, and confined herself to a more gettable spread. And so it transpired of course, with 'The Private' going close to a perfect result.
Looking at the map, one was struck with a sudden recollection of the contour line nightmare, and the dread thought of the upsey to come. No way of avoiding the issue of course, the question then became which way to go aerial. Many couldn't resist the 100 points to the south as a way to get their shopping started, others liked to add #17 on the way out, while others were seen gently walking the track to/from 16. I suspect most liked the thought of a fast run home downhill from 24/3, and the finish desk definitely had an ear in that direction.
The big pots were well spread, with a couple of testing outliers to reward or bring the overly ambitious undone. 15 and 28 looked the killers, especially when you had to go down and up twice to pencil the buggers, before the puff back. Hard yakka and only for the brave or very fit. The other nasty was #21 (lonely pot?), sitting upon the impossible cliff and requiring a circuitous route to pin. Ronny had one here of course, and I remember the view being rather good - there was even a bench to rest there! The only awkward bits (apart from the turn back decision), was working the #19 to 23 connection to maximum effect and figuring out how to incorporate #13. The rest surrendered to a nice circle. Anthony 'The Bear' Petterson ran a typical loop, working south to start (ignoring #9), oddly missing #2 in running 1-11-22-23, picking up speed in the middle, before a touch of contour kissing in 29-27-15-28-25 and the flog home in 47 minutes for 500.
Many runners did something similar, turning for home at 6-25, or 6-29-25, and hoping to bag 16 as an out-and-back 20 that might only take ten. Michael Burton had this in mind, but figured on a more direct route home from 16 - down through the green to the creek and the horrible realisation that the creek bank/wall was too high to climb. Michael (580 minus 40) did his time here running back along the watercourse towards #30 before he could escape! Simon Barr also got caught here, where, with five minutes to spare at #16, he decided to pull on a little puff work and bag #9! Those of us that know the area are not suprised that his time elapsed just as he got to the pot - with arrears building on the drop home. SB is out to beat the old man, but will have to wait another week it seems.
Looking at some more of the scoring reveals a group carding 540 (Veteran Burton plus Open stars Grant, Mason and Dowle), a half head from Masters, Pete Annetts and Mike Free, Vet Malcolm Bradley and OW star Jo Sinclair - all with 530. Jo and Lisa are going great guns in the OW's and making this a real contest. The members are getting excited folks!
Mary Fein continued to pile on the points with an impressive 520, ten from Wendy and Graeme McLeod 'Noise', with Glenn Meyer, Eoin Rothery and Tracy going a fifer each. There were plenty of ponies just under the magic five - including Kar Soon and suspiciously well tanned Super Vet, Warwick 'Please Turn Over' Selby with 490, Paula Shingler (great to see Pope Paul flying again), Davy Bray, Larry and Tim Rogers with 480, and Richard 'Daddy' Morris, Steve Flick and the Hawthorn football club with 470. In the Legends department, Ron had ten bob over Heiko (430/420) in the mens waiting room (didn't see Malcolm on the paddock), with Bev Johnson working the water bottle for 230 in the WL's. Janet was there, but I didn't check her score - probably another biggie.
Some good running to report amongst our juniors, with Rachel Noble doing something around the 400 mark (exceptional stuff), while Garingal tiger, Aidan Dawson, scorched the course with 360 in the JM's. Also nice to see Siobhan 'D Stand' Wilde posting 210 and keeping grandpa Dave in touch, and Tim's twosome having fun (Amy Rogers with 140 giving up ten red Smarties to Sam's 150). Without seeing his score, it was great to note 5 year old Kyle McGregor enjoying a run and coming home in 44 minutes 50 seconds. Dad Gary was most envious at the timing.
A couple of other random scores noted by the Pie Face were: Mike Hooppell carding 330 in the Super Vets, Selwyn 'I Dream of a Lion Brown' Roper adding a hundred more for 430 to put a bit of hair across President Paul (380) in the same class, who, none the less, had ten in hand from Terry Murphy's 370. Best not to upset the judge Paul! Robin Cameron ran strongly for 420 in the Veteran Women, Vicki Stitt turned to page 440 in the Opens and Sooze Login carded 460 in the Masters. Good to see The Log pull out wide and take the points away from The Old Mother. Clare Murphy had dad's measure with 390, the same score as Uringa stablemate Lisa Lampe posted (Lisa, I think there is something there with this 'Lampe' and 'Posted' - maybe I'll save it for the next Guide!). Kerry 'Time to Change the' Napper was ten in arrears with 380, and I seem to recall Mr YHA, Julian 'The T Shirt as Robe' Ledger, also having pencilled this little pearler.
In the SVW's, Sue Thomson and Angela Murray held hands for 290, but didn't have the route to trouble leading SV, Carol Jacobson, and her tidy 340. No doubt Carol's sporting of the elusive Summer Series T Shirt was the difference. Cheryl Bluett runs in this class of course, and is often seen out early enjoying herself. Last night's 30 points perhaps being more modest than usual though. Also posting the same score were the M&M's, Mel Cox and Melissa Selby. They both considered 510, and then, upon greeting the first contour, thought better of it and rested the hamstrings for a tidy 410 instead.
All good stuff, and just a snapshot of a great night. Numbers looked to be above 200 with lots of new faces and groups enjoying the fun. Next week Michael Burton offers someone else the hundred as he sets us up for a bit of a bash at Epping/Beecroft. This area has a number of bush tracks, including the interesting stuff below(!) the tollway. Always a goodie, but could be a cracker with the speedster in charge. Make it a date.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Mason goes gold at Browns
Last nights excellent event at South Turramurra on the Browns Waterhole map, saw Rob Mason 'cement' victory with a strong 530 point run. Although correspondent Pork Pie didn't stay till lights out, Rob had ten over Mark Schaefer close to the end and they seemed the only two runners to break the 500 barrier. Many others pushed hard towards it, carding high 400's as they grappled with a much more bushy venue than has been the norm of late in the summer series. Lotty would have loved it!
So, 170 runners fronted the till (and about 200 when you count the group entries) on a beautiful evening at this long underused venue. Stuart McWilliam was in charge of proceedings, and had crafted a 'skirt' course neatly draped across this bushy suburb. With fire trails around three sides and a long slow drop to Browns, runners were always going to do a bit of puff work if they wanted to take home a hundred. Stu was obviously attracted to the perimeters, and organised a perfect U shape to east, south and west with a gaggle of controls across the top holding things together - much like a belt. Much discussion ensued as to the best route. For the Flash Harry's, the full skirt had to be tackled with the big ask being how to tie in 27 and 16 as they passed around the southern ankles. For the more senior competitors, perhaps still feeling a touch of Christmas pud on board, the question was to go east or west, not both, with the west seeming to hold more temptations.
A couple of routes are of interest. Mark Schaefer ran 580 leaving out #7 and 5 as he circled north, west, south and an interesting but perhaps not optimal- 17, 8, road to 16, 27, 18 and resuming the fire trail up the east side. Mark's watch ding donged 45 around #30 kicking in the afterburner for the dash home via 6 and 10 in six minutes over. Mark ruminated that it might have been better to have run 17, 27, 16 and 28 and ignore 18. Great running none the less.
Also of interest was the route of VM Larry 'The Wrestler' Weiss. His strong 450 points began up north with the usual suspects before turning back at #13 and dropping to 23, 14, 25 and the southern pots - up the skirt via 27 and 16 and as noted above (28, 9, 19, 29 and 20) before gliding home via #7, 10 and 5. Nice one Lazza.
Although the majority of runners seemed to go off via 24 to the tennis courts and a nice game of doubles, an alternate route taken by some was the gallop downhill via 10, 7, 16 and 27 before the western return and the uphill slog. This had its fans, especially those runners that would prefer to walk up a steep hill than try and run up a slow one (there are many of us!).
In summary, lots of good routes, with the hole in the middle making life difficult to link east and west. Hard to find the lonely pot, although I suspect not that many went to #6 and 30. Everything else seemed to be getting plenty of 2B twirling though, indicating good setting. And how good to be back running the bush tracks. Great stuff and a nice contrast to recent outings on the bitumen. We will be back!
Looking at some of the early scoring in addition to Rob and Mark, Mary Fein and Shane Henry posted 490's to lead their respective Masters classes in very strong runs. Brendan 'The Mad Hatter' also ran up 490 in OM to be a nose clear of Adrian White (480) and some strong nags across the line for 470 (Bray, Free and Fowler). I didn't notice any 460's, but scribbled in Weiss and Anthony 'The Window' Dowle at 450, from Joel Putnam 'Sandwich' 440, a length back to Steve Ryan, Mal Brad 'All', Lisa Grant and Chris Fielder with 430. I heard that Lisa had popped back from the Christmas 5 Days just to keep her SSS hand in! Good running LG, life IS good.
The Murphy clan were in court with Terry (330) being given ten years by Catherine (340), although he did manage to send Clare down for 40 dings of community service (290). The Legends appeared to be 'men only' with Ken Jacobson posting 310, well ahead of Mal Gledhill's 280, but out of range of a strong 390 from Ron Junghans. Not sure of Heiko's score, but I think Ron might have this one. The Super Vets saw Carol post 220, a modest score but enough to keep Sue Thommo's 190 as an 80 pointer on the progressive tally. The SVM had fun in the absence of Wazza Selby, with yours truly holding 390 ahead of Graeme Hill and Steve Dunlop's 370 odd. Graeme ran 430 but came unstuck with a wrong turn south from #29 (ending up near the river) and had to backtrack losing valuable time. Not sure of Steve's route, but it's a great score and he is running better than ever recently. Also not sure of late finisher Jim Merchants score (out via 24, home via 5) - could have been a goody, but the last pot (5) has the crowd guessing where the Field Marshall actually went to.
In the absence of Warwick, daughter Melissa put aside the truncheon and posted 350 in her first run this season - a touch in front of fellow OW runner, Vicki Stitt with 340. In the same class however, Deb Noble concluded her season with a tidy 380. Younger sister Rachel punted 320 in the juniors with dad on fire in the Vets for 410, a great score from our web miestro. Some other random scores noted, were Dan Redfern with an excellent 380, Matt Hackett with 350, Ernest preparing for new years eve with 300 neat round ones (as did Ian 'Mr IBM' Miller come to think of it!), Julian Ledger handing out 290 fresh towels and Davy 'Crocket' Gatwood working 280 racoons into his pen just to annoy Michael Roylance's 270.
Ex Garingal member Phil Helmore lives on the map and popped along for a refresher course - carding 250 for his troubles. Wiz was seen with 330, a touch in front of Mike Halmy's 320, but well clear of SVM Neil Hawthorn's 280. Neil has posted the odd ton on the faster maps but was bought undone here by a nice excursion between 14 and 23 - arriving by steam train (and somewhat discombobulated) at the dead end lookout many orienteers might remember as a feature of the map in this area. This is called getting value for money! I also note in closing Catherine Cox walking for 190, and a couple of classic tens. Kris Wright and Ruth Jacka both posting ten points to star at the other end of the score board. Great stuff from our juniors. Hopefully they, and the large number of groups and new competitors, enjoyed a great night.
Thanks Stuart it was a ripper.
And with the half way mark now passed, we start to drop the weaker scoring. As Dylan said on his classic track Mississippi, 'Things should start to get interesting right about now'. And interesting they continue to be. Next week sees us back at Primrose Park in Cremorne with orienteering star Michele Dawson working her pot magic. This is another great window on Sydney, with bush paths and harbour view many would not be familiar with. A touch of hill work might be on offer - as will a pint at the Oaks afterwards. Don't miss it!
Finally. Can we make a plea to return your pencil at the end of your run. Last night saw another significant defection as the little blighters ended up in competitors cars, rather than joining their chums in the pencil box. They cost money folks and we seem to be losing heaps. Please bring them back!
Last nights excellent event at South Turramurra on the Browns Waterhole map, saw Rob Mason 'cement' victory with a strong 530 point run. Although correspondent Pork Pie didn't stay till lights out, Rob had ten over Mark Schaefer close to the end and they seemed the only two runners to break the 500 barrier. Many others pushed hard towards it, carding high 400's as they grappled with a much more bushy venue than has been the norm of late in the summer series. Lotty would have loved it!
So, 170 runners fronted the till (and about 200 when you count the group entries) on a beautiful evening at this long underused venue. Stuart McWilliam was in charge of proceedings, and had crafted a 'skirt' course neatly draped across this bushy suburb. With fire trails around three sides and a long slow drop to Browns, runners were always going to do a bit of puff work if they wanted to take home a hundred. Stu was obviously attracted to the perimeters, and organised a perfect U shape to east, south and west with a gaggle of controls across the top holding things together - much like a belt. Much discussion ensued as to the best route. For the Flash Harry's, the full skirt had to be tackled with the big ask being how to tie in 27 and 16 as they passed around the southern ankles. For the more senior competitors, perhaps still feeling a touch of Christmas pud on board, the question was to go east or west, not both, with the west seeming to hold more temptations.
A couple of routes are of interest. Mark Schaefer ran 580 leaving out #7 and 5 as he circled north, west, south and an interesting but perhaps not optimal- 17, 8, road to 16, 27, 18 and resuming the fire trail up the east side. Mark's watch ding donged 45 around #30 kicking in the afterburner for the dash home via 6 and 10 in six minutes over. Mark ruminated that it might have been better to have run 17, 27, 16 and 28 and ignore 18. Great running none the less.
Also of interest was the route of VM Larry 'The Wrestler' Weiss. His strong 450 points began up north with the usual suspects before turning back at #13 and dropping to 23, 14, 25 and the southern pots - up the skirt via 27 and 16 and as noted above (28, 9, 19, 29 and 20) before gliding home via #7, 10 and 5. Nice one Lazza.
Although the majority of runners seemed to go off via 24 to the tennis courts and a nice game of doubles, an alternate route taken by some was the gallop downhill via 10, 7, 16 and 27 before the western return and the uphill slog. This had its fans, especially those runners that would prefer to walk up a steep hill than try and run up a slow one (there are many of us!).
In summary, lots of good routes, with the hole in the middle making life difficult to link east and west. Hard to find the lonely pot, although I suspect not that many went to #6 and 30. Everything else seemed to be getting plenty of 2B twirling though, indicating good setting. And how good to be back running the bush tracks. Great stuff and a nice contrast to recent outings on the bitumen. We will be back!
Looking at some of the early scoring in addition to Rob and Mark, Mary Fein and Shane Henry posted 490's to lead their respective Masters classes in very strong runs. Brendan 'The Mad Hatter' also ran up 490 in OM to be a nose clear of Adrian White (480) and some strong nags across the line for 470 (Bray, Free and Fowler). I didn't notice any 460's, but scribbled in Weiss and Anthony 'The Window' Dowle at 450, from Joel Putnam 'Sandwich' 440, a length back to Steve Ryan, Mal Brad 'All', Lisa Grant and Chris Fielder with 430. I heard that Lisa had popped back from the Christmas 5 Days just to keep her SSS hand in! Good running LG, life IS good.
The Murphy clan were in court with Terry (330) being given ten years by Catherine (340), although he did manage to send Clare down for 40 dings of community service (290). The Legends appeared to be 'men only' with Ken Jacobson posting 310, well ahead of Mal Gledhill's 280, but out of range of a strong 390 from Ron Junghans. Not sure of Heiko's score, but I think Ron might have this one. The Super Vets saw Carol post 220, a modest score but enough to keep Sue Thommo's 190 as an 80 pointer on the progressive tally. The SVM had fun in the absence of Wazza Selby, with yours truly holding 390 ahead of Graeme Hill and Steve Dunlop's 370 odd. Graeme ran 430 but came unstuck with a wrong turn south from #29 (ending up near the river) and had to backtrack losing valuable time. Not sure of Steve's route, but it's a great score and he is running better than ever recently. Also not sure of late finisher Jim Merchants score (out via 24, home via 5) - could have been a goody, but the last pot (5) has the crowd guessing where the Field Marshall actually went to.
In the absence of Warwick, daughter Melissa put aside the truncheon and posted 350 in her first run this season - a touch in front of fellow OW runner, Vicki Stitt with 340. In the same class however, Deb Noble concluded her season with a tidy 380. Younger sister Rachel punted 320 in the juniors with dad on fire in the Vets for 410, a great score from our web miestro. Some other random scores noted, were Dan Redfern with an excellent 380, Matt Hackett with 350, Ernest preparing for new years eve with 300 neat round ones (as did Ian 'Mr IBM' Miller come to think of it!), Julian Ledger handing out 290 fresh towels and Davy 'Crocket' Gatwood working 280 racoons into his pen just to annoy Michael Roylance's 270.
Ex Garingal member Phil Helmore lives on the map and popped along for a refresher course - carding 250 for his troubles. Wiz was seen with 330, a touch in front of Mike Halmy's 320, but well clear of SVM Neil Hawthorn's 280. Neil has posted the odd ton on the faster maps but was bought undone here by a nice excursion between 14 and 23 - arriving by steam train (and somewhat discombobulated) at the dead end lookout many orienteers might remember as a feature of the map in this area. This is called getting value for money! I also note in closing Catherine Cox walking for 190, and a couple of classic tens. Kris Wright and Ruth Jacka both posting ten points to star at the other end of the score board. Great stuff from our juniors. Hopefully they, and the large number of groups and new competitors, enjoyed a great night.
Thanks Stuart it was a ripper.
And with the half way mark now passed, we start to drop the weaker scoring. As Dylan said on his classic track Mississippi, 'Things should start to get interesting right about now'. And interesting they continue to be. Next week sees us back at Primrose Park in Cremorne with orienteering star Michele Dawson working her pot magic. This is another great window on Sydney, with bush paths and harbour view many would not be familiar with. A touch of hill work might be on offer - as will a pint at the Oaks afterwards. Don't miss it!
Finally. Can we make a plea to return your pencil at the end of your run. Last night saw another significant defection as the little blighters ended up in competitors cars, rather than joining their chums in the pencil box. They cost money folks and we seem to be losing heaps. Please bring them back!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Dent in Awesome Form at Balmoral
Australian elite orienteer, Julian Dent, completed a clean sweep of controls last night to post 600 points in 42.31 minutes - 40 points clear of his nearest rival. A fantastic result given the steep nature of the course. Julian is reported to have gone for a 30 minute warm up run before he started, and then jogged off afterwards to warm down! Pork Pie is lost in admiration.
So, event 12 last night had us beginning up the top at Georges Heights - in contrast to previous outings on this map - and without a single control point on the beach. At first glance, course setter Rob 'The Queens Pictures' Spry seemed to be offering a tight bunching that looked too compact, and well under Larry's 'hand print' optimal spread. That was before the penny dropped however, and you noticed the brown contour lines. Lots of upsey/downsey, with any decent score needing at least one significant slog home. As it turned out, most pre race attention was on just how to work a loop and minimise the climb. A very difficult conundrum - as the large crowd (180/190 or so it seems) failing to make quick starts attested.
Rob had used the new bits of the map to good effect, with a tempting 50 point fall to the south before a skirt along this magnificent harbour dress circle via 28 (what a view!) to 13, 12, 20 and some sort of plunge to 'parking meter heaven' and a home route uphill via the west. Many started this way, and were already buggered by #28! Oh dear. There was also some fun here for a few runners trying to find #30 - loosing time in not reading the detail correctly. Others saw a flatter route, beginning west via 1, 14, 27, 11, 21 etc before a northern flog and return. The way back for these nags was then either a circle that took in 23, dropping to 22, 7, 18 and the elevator ride home, or a flatter run via 23, 25, 5 etc. Both had their fans.
The lonely pot looked like #24 at first glance, but in all probability was #10. This would have a complete pain to include for the 'all pots' runners, as it was up high for the 22/7 runners and too low for the 25/5's. Maybe a way was to run 22, in/out 18, back to 7, up to 10 and then on to 25 and 5 (or visa versa). Mmmmm, dodgy stuff for all but the best.
So the, a good roll up, great weather, an intriguing course with lots of options and a fantastic new location. The first 1:5,000 map sprint series race here should be a cracker (January 4). And great to see so many orienteering stars out for a run. Grant Bluett and Shannon Jones (510/500) up from Canberra for Chrissie, as were Julian and Felicity (a great run for 510 from the 'Flicker'). Lets run the bloodshot eye over some of the other runners.
Powering up the Vets, Michael Burton carded an impressive 560, finding #8 where Glenn Horrocks (560 or is that 550) might cop ten here because he couldn't find it (reported a little away from the corner). Glenn, of course, collects all the butterflies, whereas MB dropped #9 and 10 and a couple of minutes. Both still amazing runs. Richard Green was a late starter and may have podiumed, but the perfumed lure of the Beuna had your reporter off before pack up, and the 'Grass' will have to be revealed at results posting time. I'd guess he'd be a 560/570 or so. Something nice and comfortable!
Other impressive results noted by The Piester were; Steve Ryan with 540 (whoo hoo - go the Private!), Mary Fein (MW) in a top outing for 530, Anthony Peterson, Pete 'The Bonfire' Fallows, Tim Rogers and Gill Fowler rolling out 520 (great run from Gill) and Richard Morris powering round for a strong 510. 500 points also had friends, with Michael Free and Tracy enjoying the half K. Lisa Grant was a half head back for 490, in front of Wazza for the Super Vets and Shane Henry (both 480 men), Chris 'Picture' Frane (470), Steve Flick (no pram for a great 460), Peter 'Wyatt Earp' Marshall and Mark Robbo (450's) and some nice tidy 440 yard work from Peter Annetts and Graeme McLeod.
The Prudhoe family were out with the picnic hamper, dad managing to upstage Julia (420/310) with the girls somewhere in between (The 'EP' record posting a tidy 370). Dale Thompson looked to be running better (340), Anne Powell 'Street Cable Car' pocketed 400 in front of Carolyn Haupt's 390. The Doc, Ian Cameron, was below par for 370, whereas Gordy nursed the fetlock round for 450 - and no worse for the experience we hope. In the Legends, Heiko was discombobulated at #14, losing valuable time and letting Ron slip through (390/360). The map at this point was not that well defined with several runners going past the fence corner before twigging. Mal Gledhill took home 350 to keep his LM credentials intact.
Janet Morris will cop the 100 for her 270 point LW run, well in front of Beverly 'Hills' Johnson's modest 90. Bev might have become transfixed by the view at #28 and decided to stay there. I'll certainly be back for another look. In the juniors, 14 year old Rachel Noble ran with the wind for 340 odd, and is looking a worthy successor to sister Deb (390) who is soon off to Spain for a year (but will no doubt still have the odd dreamy moment about the summer series amongst all the tapas, cervesas and hot chocolates). Aidan Dawson posted an impressive 340 in the JM's, with sister Michele going one hurdle better for 350. Young Sammy Rogers was also amongst the pots for 210, ahead of that most impressive group - Siobhan, Anna and Uncle David - with 170. Go Uncle! I should also mention a couple of first timers. Stephanie 'I'm a' Manning belted 320 on debut (and back 5" early!) in MW, with partner D. Stead going a couple better for 340. Excellent stuff from Steph and Mister D.
A couple of others before Pork Pie retires to the members bar. Good to see Mike 'Hula' Hooppell on the paddock (280), Greg 'My' Nibbs 'Broken' going one better for 290 (same as for Lee 'At' Lowe) and Neil Hawthorns daughter Lucy going the nibble for 270. Sue T had the Penguin Classic flapping nicely for 250, but probably will have to be content with silver behind Carol Jacobson in the super vets. Carol is in training for a touch of sandfly (Routeburn Track) and was seen going 'all out' in last nights dash for cash. Finally, the 350 club. Yes this is a worry, with Stuart the bike, Ian '100 years of IBM' Miller and superstar, Michael 'The Corgi' Roylance all taking home this nice well rounded number. Good running boys, 450 next year?
And so Christmas takes hold, and the Christmas 5 Days to many orienteers. For those staying in, Stuart McWilliam has a top course lined up for event 13 at South Turramurra next Wednesday. Expect a bit of bush track work in what will be for many, a new area (not been used for 8/10 years or so). Will be a goodie, and a great way to expunge the Christmas pud overhang!
Finally, a couple of small items about fair play. Please confine warm up running to the immediate start location, avoiding going near, or giving the appearance of going near, any close in control pots. Also, could runners wanting to run in a group or with a partner, but entering individually, consider not running together, or at least not starting together. There Summer Series rules require a distinction between the individual (scored) competition, and the group (non scored) categories. For the sake of fair play, if wanting to run with others, please enter as a group.
That's it for the (almost) first half. Best wishes for Christmas and the holiday period from all involved in the Summer Series. A great second half awaits. Cheers!
Australian elite orienteer, Julian Dent, completed a clean sweep of controls last night to post 600 points in 42.31 minutes - 40 points clear of his nearest rival. A fantastic result given the steep nature of the course. Julian is reported to have gone for a 30 minute warm up run before he started, and then jogged off afterwards to warm down! Pork Pie is lost in admiration.
So, event 12 last night had us beginning up the top at Georges Heights - in contrast to previous outings on this map - and without a single control point on the beach. At first glance, course setter Rob 'The Queens Pictures' Spry seemed to be offering a tight bunching that looked too compact, and well under Larry's 'hand print' optimal spread. That was before the penny dropped however, and you noticed the brown contour lines. Lots of upsey/downsey, with any decent score needing at least one significant slog home. As it turned out, most pre race attention was on just how to work a loop and minimise the climb. A very difficult conundrum - as the large crowd (180/190 or so it seems) failing to make quick starts attested.
Rob had used the new bits of the map to good effect, with a tempting 50 point fall to the south before a skirt along this magnificent harbour dress circle via 28 (what a view!) to 13, 12, 20 and some sort of plunge to 'parking meter heaven' and a home route uphill via the west. Many started this way, and were already buggered by #28! Oh dear. There was also some fun here for a few runners trying to find #30 - loosing time in not reading the detail correctly. Others saw a flatter route, beginning west via 1, 14, 27, 11, 21 etc before a northern flog and return. The way back for these nags was then either a circle that took in 23, dropping to 22, 7, 18 and the elevator ride home, or a flatter run via 23, 25, 5 etc. Both had their fans.
The lonely pot looked like #24 at first glance, but in all probability was #10. This would have a complete pain to include for the 'all pots' runners, as it was up high for the 22/7 runners and too low for the 25/5's. Maybe a way was to run 22, in/out 18, back to 7, up to 10 and then on to 25 and 5 (or visa versa). Mmmmm, dodgy stuff for all but the best.
So the, a good roll up, great weather, an intriguing course with lots of options and a fantastic new location. The first 1:5,000 map sprint series race here should be a cracker (January 4). And great to see so many orienteering stars out for a run. Grant Bluett and Shannon Jones (510/500) up from Canberra for Chrissie, as were Julian and Felicity (a great run for 510 from the 'Flicker'). Lets run the bloodshot eye over some of the other runners.
Powering up the Vets, Michael Burton carded an impressive 560, finding #8 where Glenn Horrocks (560 or is that 550) might cop ten here because he couldn't find it (reported a little away from the corner). Glenn, of course, collects all the butterflies, whereas MB dropped #9 and 10 and a couple of minutes. Both still amazing runs. Richard Green was a late starter and may have podiumed, but the perfumed lure of the Beuna had your reporter off before pack up, and the 'Grass' will have to be revealed at results posting time. I'd guess he'd be a 560/570 or so. Something nice and comfortable!
Other impressive results noted by The Piester were; Steve Ryan with 540 (whoo hoo - go the Private!), Mary Fein (MW) in a top outing for 530, Anthony Peterson, Pete 'The Bonfire' Fallows, Tim Rogers and Gill Fowler rolling out 520 (great run from Gill) and Richard Morris powering round for a strong 510. 500 points also had friends, with Michael Free and Tracy enjoying the half K. Lisa Grant was a half head back for 490, in front of Wazza for the Super Vets and Shane Henry (both 480 men), Chris 'Picture' Frane (470), Steve Flick (no pram for a great 460), Peter 'Wyatt Earp' Marshall and Mark Robbo (450's) and some nice tidy 440 yard work from Peter Annetts and Graeme McLeod.
The Prudhoe family were out with the picnic hamper, dad managing to upstage Julia (420/310) with the girls somewhere in between (The 'EP' record posting a tidy 370). Dale Thompson looked to be running better (340), Anne Powell 'Street Cable Car' pocketed 400 in front of Carolyn Haupt's 390. The Doc, Ian Cameron, was below par for 370, whereas Gordy nursed the fetlock round for 450 - and no worse for the experience we hope. In the Legends, Heiko was discombobulated at #14, losing valuable time and letting Ron slip through (390/360). The map at this point was not that well defined with several runners going past the fence corner before twigging. Mal Gledhill took home 350 to keep his LM credentials intact.
Janet Morris will cop the 100 for her 270 point LW run, well in front of Beverly 'Hills' Johnson's modest 90. Bev might have become transfixed by the view at #28 and decided to stay there. I'll certainly be back for another look. In the juniors, 14 year old Rachel Noble ran with the wind for 340 odd, and is looking a worthy successor to sister Deb (390) who is soon off to Spain for a year (but will no doubt still have the odd dreamy moment about the summer series amongst all the tapas, cervesas and hot chocolates). Aidan Dawson posted an impressive 340 in the JM's, with sister Michele going one hurdle better for 350. Young Sammy Rogers was also amongst the pots for 210, ahead of that most impressive group - Siobhan, Anna and Uncle David - with 170. Go Uncle! I should also mention a couple of first timers. Stephanie 'I'm a' Manning belted 320 on debut (and back 5" early!) in MW, with partner D. Stead going a couple better for 340. Excellent stuff from Steph and Mister D.
A couple of others before Pork Pie retires to the members bar. Good to see Mike 'Hula' Hooppell on the paddock (280), Greg 'My' Nibbs 'Broken' going one better for 290 (same as for Lee 'At' Lowe) and Neil Hawthorns daughter Lucy going the nibble for 270. Sue T had the Penguin Classic flapping nicely for 250, but probably will have to be content with silver behind Carol Jacobson in the super vets. Carol is in training for a touch of sandfly (Routeburn Track) and was seen going 'all out' in last nights dash for cash. Finally, the 350 club. Yes this is a worry, with Stuart the bike, Ian '100 years of IBM' Miller and superstar, Michael 'The Corgi' Roylance all taking home this nice well rounded number. Good running boys, 450 next year?
And so Christmas takes hold, and the Christmas 5 Days to many orienteers. For those staying in, Stuart McWilliam has a top course lined up for event 13 at South Turramurra next Wednesday. Expect a bit of bush track work in what will be for many, a new area (not been used for 8/10 years or so). Will be a goodie, and a great way to expunge the Christmas pud overhang!
Finally, a couple of small items about fair play. Please confine warm up running to the immediate start location, avoiding going near, or giving the appearance of going near, any close in control pots. Also, could runners wanting to run in a group or with a partner, but entering individually, consider not running together, or at least not starting together. There Summer Series rules require a distinction between the individual (scored) competition, and the group (non scored) categories. For the sake of fair play, if wanting to run with others, please enter as a group.
That's it for the (almost) first half. Best wishes for Christmas and the holiday period from all involved in the Summer Series. A great second half awaits. Cheers!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Top Roll Up at East Killara as Glenn goes Gold
Course officials were surprised at the large turn last night as 217 out of 220 maps were issued to enthusiastic punters. This must be the closest to 'getting the map numbers right' in the series so far. A great turn out, and our best at this interesting venue so far.
Those that know the Bushrangers Reserve area, understand that there is the suburban 'paw print' with its spread of housing schools and parks - and then there is the fire trail girdle below pretty much going right round the map. This gives us a nice sniff of sandstone rocks, cliff lines and bare rock (!) and Adrian deployed his pots (new babies with only one code) across most of these options. There was a touch of green for the unwary, and large areas of DNM. These cascade down rather steep hills, so no wonder.
At first glance, there was a concentration around the assembly area which was a 'must do'. This included two overlapping control sites (6/4) generally a no-no in course planning, but ok here as the sites were completely different. Maybe Adrian was trying to lure runners to the enigmatic control #11. Anyway, the northern cluster needed to be added to for the fast guys, so head scratching generally resulted in three options 'post north' - a dash south west to 25,10,15,14 24 and home for the time poor, a more ambitious extension across Koola Park to nail #19, 28 and 20 before the return, or the 'doozey', dropping to 30 and 9 before taking the marked route tramcar and chomping the rest. There was a little money on the bush avoiders, who stretched to #29 in preference to the western bushies - maybe remembering previous experience.
Not many asked #26 up for a dance, Michael Burton reporting a full five minute run to loop 14-26 and back to #6. Number 26 might well qualify for the lonely pot, with #11 my guess for a close second.
Returning to the start. Most ran 16, 1, 17, 21, 3 and then east to #22 (time lost on this 'feature' by many runners). 2, 12 and 27 followed, with a backtrack yielding 13 although Michael Halmy climbed the cliff from below to bag the unlucky number. Dropping to 23 and 18 made sense leaving #8 to doze off. The loop home via #7 then followed or the options already alluded to. Some good stretching, but 600 proving to be too big an ask.
And so, our leader board revealed another top spot to the sweeper. Glenn 'The Gas Canister' Horrocks bagged the lot, flogging the yellow T Shirt home in 52 minutes for an outstanding 530 points. At the time of my results collecting (and as the lure of the Resches was taking hold), Glenn had twenty points clear air, with Michael Burton 'And Mum' posting a strong 510 (520 but one minute over) as our next best. Mike dropped 8, 30, 9, 4 and 11 from his run, and I suspect this was a fairly common take on the course for the speedy ones.
Back a touch, Michael Free worked the grey T hard for 500 to keep fellow Masters in their place. Tim Rogers carded 490, with Kar-Soon (480), Shane (460) and David Bray 'Of Sunshine' holding on for 450. There weren't many nags over 450, but one who had heads turning was Lisa 'The Louvre' Grant streaking the Open class with her 490. A stunning run from the Portrait.
Some other scores to note, were Sue Login finding 430, Jim McLean using the toothbrush for 440, Warwick Selby accounting for his SV rivals with 430, and Gil and Robin taking home 410 in their respective O and V sacks. There were lots of high threes to report. David Noble's 380 looked a lot like the 380 carded by Jimmy Merchant 'Marine', Graeme Hill, Rosscoe and Mark 'Mrs' Robinson (on the rise in the Vets). Going one better at 390 points were Mark Von Huben 'T Nail', Neil Hawthorne and two Masters stirrers - Fergus 'Dicko' Dixon and Mary Fien. Mary was an early runner and blasted her way round in full heat. She looked spent at the finish.
In the older mares and stallions, we see Owen Sharp enjoying another run in the SV's for 270, Chippy warming up with 310, but conceeding the points to Ron on 340, a blinker in front of Ken 'Routeburn' Jacobson and Mal Gledhill - both with 330. Good to see Dale Thompson powering back for 360 (the D never missed a beat running uphill out of #18 to the main road - awesome leg work from this track star), and also to see Angela Murray back with more speed, collecting 270, Ian Miller 'Tary Barracks' racking 300 rifles and Jimmy Forbes 'Hotel' and Dave Lotty enjoying a bit of track stuff for 330 each. Nice to share things around lads!
In the junior ranks, Sammy Rogers chalked 270, a touch in front of Aidan Dawson's 260. And I note Joshua Delmore proudly posting 50 points in possibly his first series outing. Good one Josh. There were many other quiet ones of course, including a modest 130 from Andrew Lumsden. Andy seems to be still suffering the consequences of a fall last season(!) and is leaving the big scoring to Deb. Lets hope the Big Foot supremo gets that much loved white T Shirt on the fly soon.
So, round 11 is done. A top roll-up and a tough course to master. But, hey, what a way to spend a Wednesday! Thanks Adrian and the Wester & Hills crew.
And so on to #12 and our pre-Christmas special at Balmoral. Rob Spry will scatter his pots from a new high up vantage point this time, happily avoiding the parking meter conundrums at the beach. So it's down, down to start this year, leaving the puff stuff for the flog home. Don't forget to wear your best runners and designer wear, pink looks good, as we streak the passegiata at one of Sydney's favourite and most fashionable harbour spots. And join in for fish and chips on the beach (or up at the Beuna Vista) afterwards. A great way to end the first half of what looks like being a record Summer Series. Thanks for being part of it.
Course officials were surprised at the large turn last night as 217 out of 220 maps were issued to enthusiastic punters. This must be the closest to 'getting the map numbers right' in the series so far. A great turn out, and our best at this interesting venue so far.
Those that know the Bushrangers Reserve area, understand that there is the suburban 'paw print' with its spread of housing schools and parks - and then there is the fire trail girdle below pretty much going right round the map. This gives us a nice sniff of sandstone rocks, cliff lines and bare rock (!) and Adrian deployed his pots (new babies with only one code) across most of these options. There was a touch of green for the unwary, and large areas of DNM. These cascade down rather steep hills, so no wonder.
At first glance, there was a concentration around the assembly area which was a 'must do'. This included two overlapping control sites (6/4) generally a no-no in course planning, but ok here as the sites were completely different. Maybe Adrian was trying to lure runners to the enigmatic control #11. Anyway, the northern cluster needed to be added to for the fast guys, so head scratching generally resulted in three options 'post north' - a dash south west to 25,10,15,14 24 and home for the time poor, a more ambitious extension across Koola Park to nail #19, 28 and 20 before the return, or the 'doozey', dropping to 30 and 9 before taking the marked route tramcar and chomping the rest. There was a little money on the bush avoiders, who stretched to #29 in preference to the western bushies - maybe remembering previous experience.
Not many asked #26 up for a dance, Michael Burton reporting a full five minute run to loop 14-26 and back to #6. Number 26 might well qualify for the lonely pot, with #11 my guess for a close second.
Returning to the start. Most ran 16, 1, 17, 21, 3 and then east to #22 (time lost on this 'feature' by many runners). 2, 12 and 27 followed, with a backtrack yielding 13 although Michael Halmy climbed the cliff from below to bag the unlucky number. Dropping to 23 and 18 made sense leaving #8 to doze off. The loop home via #7 then followed or the options already alluded to. Some good stretching, but 600 proving to be too big an ask.
And so, our leader board revealed another top spot to the sweeper. Glenn 'The Gas Canister' Horrocks bagged the lot, flogging the yellow T Shirt home in 52 minutes for an outstanding 530 points. At the time of my results collecting (and as the lure of the Resches was taking hold), Glenn had twenty points clear air, with Michael Burton 'And Mum' posting a strong 510 (520 but one minute over) as our next best. Mike dropped 8, 30, 9, 4 and 11 from his run, and I suspect this was a fairly common take on the course for the speedy ones.
Back a touch, Michael Free worked the grey T hard for 500 to keep fellow Masters in their place. Tim Rogers carded 490, with Kar-Soon (480), Shane (460) and David Bray 'Of Sunshine' holding on for 450. There weren't many nags over 450, but one who had heads turning was Lisa 'The Louvre' Grant streaking the Open class with her 490. A stunning run from the Portrait.
Some other scores to note, were Sue Login finding 430, Jim McLean using the toothbrush for 440, Warwick Selby accounting for his SV rivals with 430, and Gil and Robin taking home 410 in their respective O and V sacks. There were lots of high threes to report. David Noble's 380 looked a lot like the 380 carded by Jimmy Merchant 'Marine', Graeme Hill, Rosscoe and Mark 'Mrs' Robinson (on the rise in the Vets). Going one better at 390 points were Mark Von Huben 'T Nail', Neil Hawthorne and two Masters stirrers - Fergus 'Dicko' Dixon and Mary Fien. Mary was an early runner and blasted her way round in full heat. She looked spent at the finish.
In the older mares and stallions, we see Owen Sharp enjoying another run in the SV's for 270, Chippy warming up with 310, but conceeding the points to Ron on 340, a blinker in front of Ken 'Routeburn' Jacobson and Mal Gledhill - both with 330. Good to see Dale Thompson powering back for 360 (the D never missed a beat running uphill out of #18 to the main road - awesome leg work from this track star), and also to see Angela Murray back with more speed, collecting 270, Ian Miller 'Tary Barracks' racking 300 rifles and Jimmy Forbes 'Hotel' and Dave Lotty enjoying a bit of track stuff for 330 each. Nice to share things around lads!
In the junior ranks, Sammy Rogers chalked 270, a touch in front of Aidan Dawson's 260. And I note Joshua Delmore proudly posting 50 points in possibly his first series outing. Good one Josh. There were many other quiet ones of course, including a modest 130 from Andrew Lumsden. Andy seems to be still suffering the consequences of a fall last season(!) and is leaving the big scoring to Deb. Lets hope the Big Foot supremo gets that much loved white T Shirt on the fly soon.
So, round 11 is done. A top roll-up and a tough course to master. But, hey, what a way to spend a Wednesday! Thanks Adrian and the Wester & Hills crew.
And so on to #12 and our pre-Christmas special at Balmoral. Rob Spry will scatter his pots from a new high up vantage point this time, happily avoiding the parking meter conundrums at the beach. So it's down, down to start this year, leaving the puff stuff for the flog home. Don't forget to wear your best runners and designer wear, pink looks good, as we streak the passegiata at one of Sydney's favourite and most fashionable harbour spots. And join in for fish and chips on the beach (or up at the Beuna Vista) afterwards. A great way to end the first half of what looks like being a record Summer Series. Thanks for being part of it.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Manly Boys make a splash at The Worm
A feature of last night's excellent event at Manly has to be the 'Manly Boys' - James, Ned, Luke and Finn - who went for a 15 minute swim at #27 in competition time, racing home for minus 80 points! Great stuff. They were one of several groups that fronted the green flag (Lisa 'The Lampost' piloted another group) at Ian 'The Sauce Bottle' Jessup's Manly/North Steyne outing, perhaps our biggest roll up of group runners and new kids. Fantastic to see so many young ones twirling the pencil.
Ian posed a 'clover leaf' challenge, with distinctive groupings north on the Queenscliff hill, south on the Havranek hill and west to the flatter area past the golf club. Maddeningly, there were controls that didn't neatly fit the circle dudes, demanding much cogitation and fiddling with the string. The Manly Lagoon cuts through the map, with only three crossing points, and a reputation for the 'nasties' (it was reported Glenn Horrocks waded 4-14, so we hope he had a good scrub down with the Dettol). This water feature was the main northern route choice decider, with Ian's cunningly placed #30 making many a non gambler open their wallets. To stay low for the 60 points, or to jog the high contours for the same score. A no brainer for the less fit of course.
Many runners heaved into action with a norwest exit to 24, 23 and up to 21. # 12 didn't compute for many, and was later reported stolen. Confusingly 12 was actually 13, and visa versa. Michael Free did the opposite, with an exit via 5 and the upsey to #15. Porkie passed the damp grey T shirt at #9, presumably after the M&M's had cleared the hill.
Several competitors liked the comfort of late points and went clockwise, aiming for the Havranek Hill bag on the way home. The sculpture (26) rewarded, and gave height to a nice route home via 25 and 15 - with 16 in the out tray. Others, puffing along with their beach bags after searching for #27 (a strange lonely sight when I arrived, just the pot sitting on the sand), dashed west to 16, encountering a surprise hill! Given that they were up a bit, they pushed on to power box at 25 - perhaps hoping for an infusion of electric therapy. It made for a good final loop, and many joined in the action.
Other points to note, were the splash to 17 (worth it) and the rock run to the wormhole tunnel. A fantastic feature that tempted young Sam Rogers (Tim's son) to run through it, negotiate the boulders on the Freshwater side before climbing the steep Queenscliff hill from the north for #19 - which he didn't find! The nice flat route via 2, 3, and 4 with the sculpture controls was a another nice touch.
Given the hill work required, it didn't look like 600 - although Richard Green (530) forgot to collect #24 as he ran past. This would have given him 560 big ones - a terrific score. It's reported we had a 540, but not sure whose legs these were. The Glenn chomped the lot for 530, 7 minutes over. Other toppies of note were The Bradle Paddle with 520, Mike Free's 510 and Anthony 'Pet Sounds' Petterson's neat 500. In the OW class, Mary Fein was once again all class for 490 - a sensational run and well clear of strong work from Deborah 'No Dad' Noble (400) and Carolyn Haupt's 380. Bronny Steele carded 350 in the same class.
Other speedster of note included Masters stars Kar Soon and David Bray (490/480), Mark 'S On Paper' Schaefer (480) and Tim 'Buck Too' Marshall (450) - both open nags - and a couple of excellent super vet runs, Warwick 'The Glove' Selby (480) and Ian McKenzie with 460 in the can, and no sign of the achilles flaring. Ian's looking dangerous folks! Eoin Rothery once again had the OAWA colours on the fly with 440, joining Tom Hutton, James Lithgow and Jamie 'Ted' Kennedy with these Chinese lucky numbers. Unusually, The Pork upset Steve Flick and Gordy with a slender 10 pointer, with that other SVM star, Neil 'The Brown Hoops' Hawthorne only posting a modest 380. Could be one of those scores waiting to go 'non-bold' after event 12.
In the more senior and sedate racing, Heiko had the wood on Ronny (430 to 340), with Mal cranking up the engine with 370. Robin Cameron punched 400 (hope she got her car keys back), a touch behind the 'racing lovebirds' Sue 'The Log' and Pete 'The Cupboard' Hibberd -420 each - and a great run from Rachel Best 'Practice' with 450 potty points. Sue Thomson might have had the SVW to herself, and made early work of 290 before being press ganged onto the start desk. I also noted Jimmy 'The Finger' Merchant stretching out after a lay off for 360, Larry carding 230, Andrew Lumsden 'Dy Cinema' making headlines with minus 40! And let's not forget Team Maple (110) and that great duo from Normanhurst, Viv and Robyn, holding hands for a tidy 240 - and hoping Gail might join in soon.
My take on the 'lonely pot' would have to be #1, but no doubt Dave's analysis will prove me wrong. This one didn't fit the loopy running, but may have been taken as stiff medicine by those, finding themselves at 30 (and confusingly joining in the training group there) with five minutes to go said 'Crikey', home James, but don't forget the cairn! I have to say, Ian's control locations were some of the most interesting and varied we have seen to date. Take note all you power pole setters!
Finally, I must report Wendy 'The Stevedore' Stevenson on the flog home from #25, ran uphill to the dead end at 'B'! You have to admit it does looks like an 8! Comiserations Wendy, I wonder how many other runners were distracted and puzzled by this strange Garingal club competition feature? The letters represented the Havranek and Jessup house locations it seems.
Next week sees us back at East Killara under instructions from the tube of White paint. Adrian has a bit more bush and fire trail action to play with up there, so we may get a little orienteering skill reward. He is sure to set a cracker at 'The Bushranger', so don't miss it.
A feature of last night's excellent event at Manly has to be the 'Manly Boys' - James, Ned, Luke and Finn - who went for a 15 minute swim at #27 in competition time, racing home for minus 80 points! Great stuff. They were one of several groups that fronted the green flag (Lisa 'The Lampost' piloted another group) at Ian 'The Sauce Bottle' Jessup's Manly/North Steyne outing, perhaps our biggest roll up of group runners and new kids. Fantastic to see so many young ones twirling the pencil.
Ian posed a 'clover leaf' challenge, with distinctive groupings north on the Queenscliff hill, south on the Havranek hill and west to the flatter area past the golf club. Maddeningly, there were controls that didn't neatly fit the circle dudes, demanding much cogitation and fiddling with the string. The Manly Lagoon cuts through the map, with only three crossing points, and a reputation for the 'nasties' (it was reported Glenn Horrocks waded 4-14, so we hope he had a good scrub down with the Dettol). This water feature was the main northern route choice decider, with Ian's cunningly placed #30 making many a non gambler open their wallets. To stay low for the 60 points, or to jog the high contours for the same score. A no brainer for the less fit of course.
Many runners heaved into action with a norwest exit to 24, 23 and up to 21. # 12 didn't compute for many, and was later reported stolen. Confusingly 12 was actually 13, and visa versa. Michael Free did the opposite, with an exit via 5 and the upsey to #15. Porkie passed the damp grey T shirt at #9, presumably after the M&M's had cleared the hill.
Several competitors liked the comfort of late points and went clockwise, aiming for the Havranek Hill bag on the way home. The sculpture (26) rewarded, and gave height to a nice route home via 25 and 15 - with 16 in the out tray. Others, puffing along with their beach bags after searching for #27 (a strange lonely sight when I arrived, just the pot sitting on the sand), dashed west to 16, encountering a surprise hill! Given that they were up a bit, they pushed on to power box at 25 - perhaps hoping for an infusion of electric therapy. It made for a good final loop, and many joined in the action.
Other points to note, were the splash to 17 (worth it) and the rock run to the wormhole tunnel. A fantastic feature that tempted young Sam Rogers (Tim's son) to run through it, negotiate the boulders on the Freshwater side before climbing the steep Queenscliff hill from the north for #19 - which he didn't find! The nice flat route via 2, 3, and 4 with the sculpture controls was a another nice touch.
Given the hill work required, it didn't look like 600 - although Richard Green (530) forgot to collect #24 as he ran past. This would have given him 560 big ones - a terrific score. It's reported we had a 540, but not sure whose legs these were. The Glenn chomped the lot for 530, 7 minutes over. Other toppies of note were The Bradle Paddle with 520, Mike Free's 510 and Anthony 'Pet Sounds' Petterson's neat 500. In the OW class, Mary Fein was once again all class for 490 - a sensational run and well clear of strong work from Deborah 'No Dad' Noble (400) and Carolyn Haupt's 380. Bronny Steele carded 350 in the same class.
Other speedster of note included Masters stars Kar Soon and David Bray (490/480), Mark 'S On Paper' Schaefer (480) and Tim 'Buck Too' Marshall (450) - both open nags - and a couple of excellent super vet runs, Warwick 'The Glove' Selby (480) and Ian McKenzie with 460 in the can, and no sign of the achilles flaring. Ian's looking dangerous folks! Eoin Rothery once again had the OAWA colours on the fly with 440, joining Tom Hutton, James Lithgow and Jamie 'Ted' Kennedy with these Chinese lucky numbers. Unusually, The Pork upset Steve Flick and Gordy with a slender 10 pointer, with that other SVM star, Neil 'The Brown Hoops' Hawthorne only posting a modest 380. Could be one of those scores waiting to go 'non-bold' after event 12.
In the more senior and sedate racing, Heiko had the wood on Ronny (430 to 340), with Mal cranking up the engine with 370. Robin Cameron punched 400 (hope she got her car keys back), a touch behind the 'racing lovebirds' Sue 'The Log' and Pete 'The Cupboard' Hibberd -420 each - and a great run from Rachel Best 'Practice' with 450 potty points. Sue Thomson might have had the SVW to herself, and made early work of 290 before being press ganged onto the start desk. I also noted Jimmy 'The Finger' Merchant stretching out after a lay off for 360, Larry carding 230, Andrew Lumsden 'Dy Cinema' making headlines with minus 40! And let's not forget Team Maple (110) and that great duo from Normanhurst, Viv and Robyn, holding hands for a tidy 240 - and hoping Gail might join in soon.
My take on the 'lonely pot' would have to be #1, but no doubt Dave's analysis will prove me wrong. This one didn't fit the loopy running, but may have been taken as stiff medicine by those, finding themselves at 30 (and confusingly joining in the training group there) with five minutes to go said 'Crikey', home James, but don't forget the cairn! I have to say, Ian's control locations were some of the most interesting and varied we have seen to date. Take note all you power pole setters!
Finally, I must report Wendy 'The Stevedore' Stevenson on the flog home from #25, ran uphill to the dead end at 'B'! You have to admit it does looks like an 8! Comiserations Wendy, I wonder how many other runners were distracted and puzzled by this strange Garingal club competition feature? The letters represented the Havranek and Jessup house locations it seems.
Next week sees us back at East Killara under instructions from the tube of White paint. Adrian has a bit more bush and fire trail action to play with up there, so we may get a little orienteering skill reward. He is sure to set a cracker at 'The Bushranger', so don't miss it.
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