August is a wonderful time of year on the Western Slopes and Plains with the wattle a-blooming, rain, fog, and the mists a-swirling, and with the mighty Dubbo Ducks holding their most recent meet last Sunday.

The competitors present then competed in an exciting four-event card.

First up was a 25-metre freestyle comprising heats followed by a final with the closest-to-handicap in the heats winning the honour of having their name engraved first upon the silverware for the inaugural Intersports Trophy.

Louise Poulain (in excellent form) came in at just 0.02 seconds from her mark in the heats, with Shaun Graham taking out the final followed by Katharine O'Rourke, Louise Poulian in third, and Tim Gratton in fourth.

Second event was a 2x25-metre backstroke/breaststroke brace relay, with the combination of Mark Scullard/Josh Bird flying too fast to leave top-spot going to Shaun Graham/Mia Uebergang with an excellently controlled swim. Mark Prentice/Amy Barling took second, Peter Allen/Ron Everett were third, with Henry Wilcockson/Nicole Johnstone in fourth place.

Competitors were then tested with a 100-metre freestyle swim with those making the final really showing their winter fitness. Nicole Johnstone was too fast though, leaving Mia Uebergang to take the gold, Peter Allen silver, Tilly Barling bronze, and Mark Prentice rounding out the four.

Final event of the card was a 25-metre breaststroke “At Go” event with consistency grand-master Tom Gray taking first (at 0.14 seconds), Peter Hargreaves (0.18 seconds) Warren Williams (0.22 seconds), followed by Shaun Graham (0.32 seconds) and Mia Uebergang (0.48 seconds).

Congratulations and hat-tips are in order for Duckling Mia Uebergang who completed her 100th swim on the day; a huge achievement for one so young!

Thank you deck-hands and special thanks to John Wherritt, David Sparkes, and Judy Walsh for officiating and controlling the flow of events on the day. Lucky number winners were Josh Bird and Neil Harris.

Macquarie Sports and Bowling Club, who sponsor the Ducks, have also stepped in to provide support for the highly-talented Under 13’s rugby league player Kayden Carpenter who has been selected to play for Australia in Europe this year.

Youngsters on the path to sporting greatness selected to represent the region, the state, and national teams, are encouraged to get in contact with Macquarie Sports and Bowling Club for assistance achieving their dream.

Thanks also to Intersport who have taken over and rebranded Sports Power Dubbo in the same location and promising even better product selection and service.

Dubbo Ducks swim each Sunday and everyone is welcome. Find our details under "SUNDAY" in the Dubbo Photo News Community Diary.

That’s this week's tidings from the Duckpond!