DUBBO DUCKS: It worked. Readers will recall that in last week’s column, club members were severely chided for choosing the doonas over the speedos resulting in a less than satisfactory attendance at the morning’s swim.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Well, the Apprentice can report that unlike last week, the speedos had a win on Sunday when 35 worthy combatants donned the regulation uniform, all eager to win one (or more) of the $10 RSL vouchers which now replace frozen chooks as rewards for success.
A little piece of history was made when the third generation of a Ducks family, young Noah and Ashley Ferguson took to the water. Their grandfather, Bob Cremin, who sadly passed away several years ago, was one of the original Ducks circa the 1960s and ‘70s.
Bob’s daughter, Annette Ferguson joined the Ducks earlier this year and now her children complete the family trifecta. Congratulations to the Cremin/Ferguson dynasty on creating another episode in the intriguing story of the Dubbo Ducks.
o o o
On to the actual swimming and after seven heats, five semi-finals and a final of the 25 metres freestyle closest to handicap time (CHT), there was not a breaker in sight.
Five of our veteran members with the best CHTs made up the final group. The Apprentice was surprised and embarrassed to learn that he in fact had won the event as readers can be assured such successes are few and far between.
However, Reg Ferguson can consider himself fortunate as his CHT (minus 0.11sec) was a mere one-hundredth of a second in front of Henry Willcockson (minus 0.12s) John Wherritt, Matt Dover and Ian Jones.
The “table” was obviously in a good mood on Sunday as a breast-backstroke brace relay was scheduled as the penultimate event.
The heats were swum without incident although there were some unusual pairings in the heats. It was one such pairing that took out the final.
The club’s fastest and one of the most consistent lady swimmers, Kim Bennett, a regular recipient when the frozen fowls and now vouchers are handed out each week, was teamed with sometimes farmer and occasional swimmer, Neil Cullen.
Neil was dumbfounded when it was announced he and Kim had won the vouchers while placegetters Matt McDonagh/Kevin Hopkins and Norm Bahr/John Wherritt could only sit back watching in amazement at the happenings unfolding before their very eyes.
The final event on a very easy morning by “table” standards, was a 50m freestyle (lack of imagination?). A couple of Aussie “battlers” in former champion boxer Ron Soden, and retired headmaster, Bernie Rawson fought out a thrilling final.
The boxer beat the teacher, Soden (1.20s) coming out on top, Rawson having to be content with the runners-up prize of good wishes from captain Mark.
Special mention must be made of young Matthew Jobson who was under his time by over four seconds in the final. Four more $10 vouchers were gladly accepted by the lucky number winners, Kim Bennett, Margaret Ross, Matt McDonagh and Roger Mackay.
o o o
The monthly points score is at a very interesting stage. It was noticeable that several eyebrows were raised when it was learned that handicapper Norm Bahr is leading on 33 points.
In a congested run to the finish, Ron Soden is second on 32 points, followed by Ron Everett, David Sparkes and John Wherritt all on 31. Judy Walsh is next on 30.
o o o
No swimming at the duck-pond this Sunday when all will assemble at the Macquarie Club at 9.30am to compete in our big Isaac Charity Bowls Day.
Treasurer Mike still has some places available in the morning and afternoon events but as these slots will fill up quickly, it will be wise to nominate now. Mike’s phone number is 6884 0082.
To conclude, words of warning: if you don’t pay your exorcist, you can get repossessed!
