By Eider Down.

The mighty Dubbo Ducks touched down on Sunday, October 19, into the warm and welcoming waters of the Dubbo RSL indoor pool, and within a few ridiculously short moments after that were presented with a four-event card.

But first the results of the Dubbo Meat and Seafood Centre October Trophy Race. Nicole Johnstone took it out at (0.03) off her nominated time. Well done, Nicole, and many thanks to the good folk at DMC!

The first event was a 25m Freestyle. You swim to your time, but no faster, to make it through the heat and into the final. Ron Everett and Alan Quin, though improving, swam too fast in the final to see Henry Wilcockson take first, Mark Scullard second and Katharine O’Rourke third.

The Don Attenborough Memorial Relay was next up. Teams of four and a great warm up practice run for the Clive Roots Memorial Relay coming up on Thursday, November 13 at the Dubbo RSL. All swam within three seconds of each other, the winners a closely guarded secret to be revealed at our club presentation night next May.

This week we have been advised that Clive Roots’ son will be travelling back to Dubbo for the event and will be presenting the trophy. His grandchildren will also be entering a team to compete, so it will be great to see you all there and his son presenting the trophy! Nomination forms available at the Dubbo RSL Indoor Pool reception or contact Henry Wilcockson (see below for details).

The third event was a 2x25m medley of Backstoke and Breaststroke, with Peter Allen breaking to see Mark Scullard take first, David Sparkes second, John Wherritt third and Nicole Johnstone fourth.

At Go this week was a 25m Backstroke. A false start let first and second swim a practice race, Katharine O’Rourke taking first with (0.03), followed by Mark Scullard (0.06), John Wherritt (0.53), Norm Bahr (0.84) and Rob Rich (0.95). All swimmers within one second of the handicapper’s estimation.

Lucky numbers draw taken out by Jack Allen (46) and Peter Allen (17). Thanks to Jack and Mark Prentice for their attendance poolside.

All Ducks past and present are excited to be receiving a visit from Harbord Diggers this coming Sunday so come along to welcome them. Lunch will follow in the Dubbo RSL bistro.

For those members intending to travel to Western Districts to be held in Cobar in February, numbers are needed to book accommodation! Please inform Henry Wilcockson.

For details about club swim times and contacting Henry Wilcockson, see our entry in the Dubbo Photo News Diary (under Sunday).

That’s this week’s tidings from the Duckpond.