In the absence of table boss David Sparkes the task was handed over to his understudy, Rob Rich, who decided to really test the fitness of the Ducks.

The usual 25m freestyle was the warm-up event with most swimming close to their times in the heats and semis.

However, a recent extended holiday for Henry Willcockson must have recharged his batteries as he broke his time by a whopping -12.52 seconds.

The final was a very close finish with Mark Bonser touching the pads first but he misjudged the pace and swam -0.43 under his handicap time.

This gave the win to Xanthe Clark who timed her swim well to finish just 0.17 off her time. Judy Walsh got second place (0.37), Roger Mackay (0.44) third and John McLean (0.56) was fourth.

The second event was a 2x50m backstroke/freestyle brace relay that saw the winners of the first three heats go under their times.

Reg Ferguson and Henry Willcockson were awarded the win after Ron Everett and Ron Soden broke their time. Brian Schloeffel and Marg Ross came in next with Mark Bonser and Xanthe Clark, and Greg Jankowski and Matt Dover making up the field.

With no time for recovery it was time to line up for a very unorthodox closest to time 75 metres freestyle. Of the 17 swimmers, Neil Cullen and Henry Willcockson found the distance a little too far.

Brian Schloeffel emerged as the winner, swimming just 0.70 away from his time. Roger Mackay took second place (-1.44) while Reg Ferguson (-1.73), Greg Salmon (3.37) and Peter Smith (-4.48) completed the placings.

Lucky numbers went to birthday boy Matt Dover and Margaret Ross.

Get well wishes to David Sparkes and club patron Angus Spalding.

On October 30 the Ducks will be hosting a visit from the Harbord Diggers. Ron and Henry are keen to finalise numbers for activities throughout the weekend.

If you are looking to keep a little toned come down to the RSL pool on Sunday at 9am and join in the fun. The Dubbo Ducks will make you very welcome.