Sydney Summer Series

NO REHAB NEEDED AS OLD GOATS CLAIM THE LOLLIES

Yes indeed, the experience of two of our 'older' runners came to the fore last night at the Royal Rehab Hospital Summer Series finale, as they claimed top points ahead of the Open class fancies. Glenn Horrocks (Masters) and Michael Burton (Veteran) both posted 500 points at Wazzo Selby's tough stretch from this new assembly venue. The big 5 was looking doubtful early in the evening, as Open star Richard Green posted only 480 after a 'sub optimal', and Steve Ryan also missed a high five. Kar-Soon had the same score in MM after a huge flog, with Pete Annetts a shade further adrift.

Was 480 going to be it? No it seemed. The crowd was in enthused thrall, as first Glennbo worked the yellow T shirt hard to claim the lot for ten over, and then, Michael 'Bert & Earnie' Burton swept in for the same. The runs were different of course, with Michael missing a few pots in his outing, and admitting Glenn to be 'about 5% faster'. Obviously, no big toe probs here. Great running from two of the Series most favourite sons.

The contest last night also ended with an amazing three way tie for second in the Masters Men category - with Michael Free, Pete Annetts and Kar-Soon all chasing an angle over each other, but in the end, all ending the season on the same points. Tim Rogers didn't show, allowing this trio of likely lads to slip through on the rails in one of the greatest SSS contests of all time. Anthony 'The Termite' Petterson was only a speckarooney behind them. Top stuff from the MM's.

Most other classes were already decided, although the Open Women saw Gill Fowler sneak a wide ball through to the keeper to take the choc's in the absence of Lisa Grant (still out injured). Steve Flick had no worries to hold 3rd in SVM when Pork Pie pulled on a knee tanty - and walked!! Embarrassing to say, my 190 points was twenty adrift of old Normanhurst neighbours Robyn & Viv. Cripes, this walking is a bit trickier than I imagined.

Anyway, our 19th season has come to a conclusion, and what a great way to go out. Warwick produced a very fitting finale, with plenty of work needed if you wanted to scratch a few thirty pointers on the card. The good Doc seemed to be in circular mode, with most of the biggies right around the edge! Runners with prior here always try to work the low areas and the east side, hoping to avoid 'Mt' Rehab and it's walking pace only approaches (uphill from #12 was no laughing matter). Not to be last night with plenty resigning to a fair bit of 'le pant, le puff' on their routes. The top left was probably the worst of it, and many seemed to avoid this siren tempter - instead beginning at 19-6-14-12-23 and then pouring off downhill or eastwards. Number 2 probably got a bit cold and lonely, being the most 'non-loopy' pot, although #30 might have been 'off radar' as well.

Several runners had problems with #29, which probably should have been more tightly described. Rumours are that Angela Selby was bamboozled here, with the result that Warwick is on bread and dripping for a week. The only other tricks were the temporary fencing in the school that required a longer run to get past, and the mapped (non) opening in the fence near the finish that had many a finisher, buggered and overtime, cursing the map (which is otherwise pretty good). Sorry is all we can say!

Because I was distracted with the prize giving duties, I didn't note many scores or even the roll up count (170/180 maybe?). Noted however, were Ron being knocked off by Heiko 'Mr Antarctic' Schaefer in LM, Selwyn 'The Candlestick' Roper pulling off a top score in SVM and Ian 'Big Blue' Miller cementing relations with IBM by taking his US colleague out on a run. I think Wendy and Malcolm were up there again - and I heard Sue Login and Pete 'Old Mother' Hibberd were getting in some early Autumn Evening training starting in the pre 7 gloom. I also like the runner who bowled up at ten to seven on the motorbike, stripped off and ran almost without looking at the map. He had a headlight! But then, he needed a headlight.

So that's it for another season. 26 fantastic events, over 5,000 entries for the first time, over 1,000 individuals on the nosebag (also for the first time), over 87,000 control site visits! What a series. Big thanks to all organising clubs and course setters for a year of very high standards. Big, big thanks also to Dave McKenna for his sensational scoring services, and to Dave Noble for posting all to our web site. And big thanks for everyone that attended the events and made for another great series of competition and 'navigating on the run' in this great city. Once the final results are posted, I'll probably put up a season wrap 'Pork Pie' style. Easter orienteering in Canberra is the first call however, so it might have to wait a week or so.

Next seasons series (our 20th) will commence on the 6th of October - and will also feature 26 events. There will be new maps, modified areas, the return of favourites and also a few we haven't seen for a while. Bush, parks, harbour views, real estate and plenty of wonderful post race dinners. Lots to look forward to, and only six months to go!