Sydney Summer Series

A fine evening and a perfect course!

Despite predicted rain, event 7 at Sirius Cove was held in almost perfect conditions. Carol and Ken Jacobson might just have produced the run of the season with their excellent course setting and optimum control spread around this scenic and fantastic location. We have not started here for several seasons (using Mosman Bay instead), but the concensus was that Sirius was the better possie. Lots of hill work required, some of it resembling the winding streets seen in movies around San Francisco, but lots of compensating interest in the pathways, over-bridges and parks - not to forget the great harbour views and outlooks.

It is always satisfying to pull off a perfect course, and Andy Hill getting the lot but 24 seconds late bought home the bacon. Mounty also popped a 590 into the satchel in slightly different fashion - missing a ten, but back a touch early. Both great scores, and indicative of the elusive 'perfect' course.

Looking at the course we see many starting options. Beginning up to #22 before a western sweep had many adherents, including Gail and the Girls, Mike 'The Long Macchiato' Hanratty and a host of Knox boys. The bolder play south to #1 and then upsey to #21 was less popular, many planning to cover off this eastern bag on the way home. The other big exit was via #2 and 23/15 before going for the scenic outlook at 30 and working 16/24 before a touch of Mossman Wharf commuter avoidance. These runners then added pots on the Cremorne Point run and the enjoyable amble back over the footbridge between #27 and #25, a very rewarding section. All in all, plenty of route choice and good scoring available even to some of our slower runners. My early punt on the lonely pot would go to #19, although I'm not sure if many made the 20/29/17 loop (Mounty/Andy notwithstanding).

As I said, some good scoring. Noted by Pork Pie as he chewed the tipping pencil were: Richard Green pulling a 570, Michael Burton and Glenn bagging 560, and Peter 'The Bird Cage' Annetts playing 500. Michael Free's excellent 550 fell an agonising ten points short of Glenn's 560, putting off for another week the chance for 'The Sofa' to nab the man in yellow. It will happen, maybe at Hunts. Also noted, were Sister Wendy with a splendid 440, clear of Gil and Sibylle's 420 apiece, and the leading woman. In the older mares, Sue 'Don't Argue' Thomson was breathing fire for a sensational 360 and would be up there with this (Angela and Dale may have outscored, but not before I left for the obligatory evening 'social gathering' at the Beuna Vista!). The Pork also noted an amazing 410 from Deb Noble, and Steve Flick 'Pass' taking the SVM lollies over Ian Cameron and Gordon Wilson 'Parking' (450 to 440).

Others standing out in fluoro silks were Heiko's 390 to pip Ron (370) in the Legends, and a baby free outing from Andy Simpson for 440. And who cannot but applaud the wonderfully pregnant Tracy Bluett taking home 280 from her walk. Trace has only four weeks to go, but great to see her enjoying the course.

Not sure of the attendance, but it looked in the 180/200 area, and boosted by a bevy of young Knox boys. many ran as individuals, and others in small teams - typically tearing along to the pot vacinity and then searching or waiting for Mike Hanratty to find it for them! All good experience, and we hope to see them back - their teacher/coach seemed very enthused.

Next week we move west again to Carlingford and Mike Roylance's run at Hunts Creek. Those that know the area will fondly remember the bike track and bush path running beside the creek - and the waterfall! Good stuff to look forward to, and for those that are coming from the south/west, there is a public bus option - bus 548 from Parramatta Station along Pennant Hills Road to Westminster Ave, North Rocks.

One final point, Pork Pie finally managed to produce the first edition of the cryptic Summer Series 'Form Guide' This is a good look at the form of early series stars and conveys other series news and gossip. It is, or will be shortly, posted to the web site as a pdf, and can be printed if need be. There will also be more copies available at Hunts. And for those completely puzzled by some of the cryptic nick names - did you get the clue for Sue 'John Laws' Davis being her first name. Change the S to 2 and you get 2UE, where Laws worked for many years! I know, I know, there is no telling how his mind works. Hope you get all the others.