MSV Relay Championships

Item Posted:30/09/2016

Well, if you thought the pace was frantic at the Short Course Championships in August, spare a thought for the 22 intrepid dolphins who nominated to swim at the Relay Championships on Sunday 25 September 2016. As one slightly exhausted swimmer was heard to say: “You certainly made the most of your limited resources.” Indeed I did. With 15 events on offer, we managed to enter 27 teams across the various age groups, with only one scratching required on the day. Our 280+ age group did us proud with an entry in almost every event apart from the 4x100m medleys. Where is a 70 year old who can manage 100 fly when you need one? (Now you tell me you can, Ros McLean).

The team consisted of John Ashton, Frank Braun, Rod Clarke, Caroline Clarkson, Rebecca Cook, Dorothy Dickey, Rohan Fanning, Alan Gibson, Robyn Gillespie, Sue Harbottle, Peta Harvey, Frank Hayes, Kelly Knowles, Derek Mandy, Ros McLean, Mina Mekhail, Dee Sheffrin, Damon Smit, Barb Smith, Clare Taylor, and Judith Wakeman. Numbers were down this year, (I suspect school holidays didn’t help) with several of our regular swimmers unavailable. The women slightly outnumbered the men by 12 to 10, and the over 50s greatly outnumbered the under 50s by 16 to 6.

Rod, Dot, Alan, myself, Frank Hayes, Ros, and Dee all swam in the maximum six events. Hats off to Lady Dot and Robyn Gillespie who swam in both the women’s 4x200 Freestyle relay, and the mixed 4 x 200 Freestyle relay (setting a new state record), and Ros who swam a 200, 100 and 4x50s (including a 50m fly). Dee had a great day injury and illness free, contributing to two national and three club records.  Many thanks to our President Sue Harbottle who said she’d “fill in if required.” She swam in 3 relays and brought us home to win the women’s 240+ 4x100 medley relay and set a National Record. Caroline’s teams all placed first, and her 100 fly was part of the same national record swim. Barb Smith led us off brilliantly in the 4x200m Freestyle (club record) and anchored us home to another National Record in the 4x100m freestyle.

Rod was very busy swimming in some 280+ teams (state record in the 4x200m freestyle) and showing his versatility swimming with the “young guns” in the 160+ 4x200m freestyle, setting a new club record. Rohan debuted his 50m butterfly in the 240+ mixed 4x50 medley relay (second place), and swam in the two 160+ teams that set new club records. Frank Hayes, Derek Mandy and John Ashton swam whatever stroke or distance I asked of them and kept smiling the entire time. Thank you gentlemen. Alan Gibson also stepped up and was part of the 280+ 4x200m freestyle state record.

It was good to see some of our newer swimmers Kellie Knowles, Rebecca Cook, Judith Wakeman, Damon Smit and Mina Mekhail competing again. Rebecca helped set a national record and Kelly swam a great 200m freestyle that almost managed another one. Mena and Damon were very busy and were also part of some record breaking teams, swimming some very smart times.

Frank Braun was back after a three year break from pool competition and may never return after swimming back to back events in the afternoon session. Apologies to Daniel Blakemore too for the same treatment, including his 100 fly. I’m sure it was all worth it as they contributed to three new club records. A special mention to first timer Clare Taylor who has already signed on for Nationals next March.

The final tally was an impressive; 11 firsts, 13 seconds and a third, with two national, one state and a further five club records broken. Our women’s 200+ 4 x 200m Freestyle team also broke the previous national record but was narrowly beaten by Malvern Marlins on the day.

*State record        **National record

We placed second in Division 1:

Malvern Marlins               515 points

Doncaster Dolphins         276 points

Powerpoints                      250 points

Records have been updated on our website Results page. Further details are available on MeetMobile and SwimPhone

My thanks to everyone for competing in the spirit of friendship, fitness and fun. I know I grumbled about what a task it was to organise all the entries (utmost respect to all you previous club captains), but you made it all worthwhile and I hope to see more of you at the next events.

Special thanks to Brian Walsh who officiated yet again, and Mal Williams who spent several hours timekeeping. We really appreciate your efforts – without you we wouldn’t be able to enjoy these great events.

Our usual post-swim watering hole is temporarily closed so many of us adjourned to The Blue Room in Clarendon Street for a well-earned drink and some food, and to rehash the day’s activities. I suspect this is the main reason why some of us swim.

Cheers!

Peta Harvey

Club Captain