To kick off the month Nicole Johnstone swam 0.05 seconds off her time in the heats of the 25metre Freestyle to take out the JP Upholstery monthly trophy.  Unfortunately she was a little slow out of the blocks in the final and came in fifth place behind Norm Bahr, John McLean, Brian Schloeffel and Judy Walsh.

Mark Bonser and Ian Henderson were unlucky in the final of the 2x 25 metre Backstroke/ Breaststroke brace relay after they touch in first place, however their elation was short lived when they were informed by “the table” that they had beaten the clock. Ross Tomlins and Rob Rich were happy to collect the top prize.

Roger Mackay had a well-timed swim in the 50 metre Freestyle to outswim the table boss David Sparkes.

There were nineteen swimmers who were keen to contest the annual the Daily Liberal Champion of Champions trophy. This event is made up of swimmers competing in pairs with the winners of each pairing advancing to the next round until the final two swimmers are determined.

John McLean and Greg Jankowski made it through to the final round and in what was a very close finished when the resident “fox” John McLean just touched out Greg by a meagre 0.15 of a second.  

Craig Schloeffel was the winner of the 25 metre Freestyle ahead of Gary Giddings, Peter Smith, Ron Everett and Ross Tomlins.

John McLean was happy to score another win when he, and partner David Sparkes took out the final of the 2x25 metre Breaststroke/Breaststroke brace relay ahead of Mark Bonser and Ron Everett.

Earlier in the month eleven ducks and some of their partners made the long trek to Lightning Ridge to meet up with swimmers from the Nyngan club for a morning swim at the spectacular Lightning Ridge swimming complex. Mel Giddings had a win in the final of the 25 metre Freestyle but unfortunately no Dubbo swimmers made the final of the 50 metre Freestyle. The final swim was a 6 x 25metre Freestyle relay made up of mixed teams. To round off a very relaxing weekend the Nyngan club hosted a barbecue at the Opal Caravan Park.

Last Sunday sixteen ducks landed at the regular duck pond and in a rare occurrence there were no breakers in any of the finals. 

The ever consistent Glen Smith took out the final of the 25metre Freestyle in a close finish from Norm Bahr. Robert Rich, Ian Henderson, Greg Salmon were all bit off the pace.

Ian had a more successful outcome with partner Craig Schloeffel in the final of the 2 x 25 metre Backstroke/ Backstroke brace relay when they beat Reg Ferguson and Craig’s brother Andrew to take the win. Rob Rich and Tom Gray, Norm Bahr and Mark Scullard, and Henry Willcockson and Greg Salmon made up the final line-up.

Reg Ferguson made up for his loss in the next race when he had a well- timed swim to take the win in the 25 metre Breaststroke. Roger Mackay was close on his heels with Judy Walsh, Ron Everett and Peter Smith making up the minor places.

After the swim it was more socialising when the flock migrated at the RSL bistro for a lovely lunch and good company. It was lovely to have Don and Betty Attenborough join us as well.

Next Sunday we will swim for the Morrisons Family Eye Centre trophy.

Thank you to all our sponsors for their ongoing support and interest in our club it is very much appreciated.

Congratulations to Roger Mackay on taking out the July point score on 54 points. Greg Salmon was second on 42 points with Craig Schloeffel, third on 41 points.

Lucky numbers for August were: Andrew Schloeffel, Judy Walsh, David Sparkes, Rob Rich, Ian Henderson and Ross Tomlins.

The Dubbo Ducks swim each Sunday at the RSL pool at 9.00 am. We cater for all age groups and everyone is welcome.