With global media attention fixated on every move the Dubbo Ducks make, with the Legacy Cup and the Clive Roots Memorial Relay this week, the Schloeffel Family Trophy up for grabs, is there any wonder the Ducks gathered as they did last Sunday, November 9, in the Dubbo RSL indoor pool to swim away all that stress, and find ways to cope with the fame?

The competitors were presented with a four-event card.

In the 25m Freestyle, Alan Quin broke to see Neil Harris take fist, John Wherritt second, Matilda Barling third and Ron Everett home in fourth.

The second event, a brace relay with two member teams, 50m Breaststroke a-piece, Mark Scullard/Matilda Barling took first, David Sparkes/Neil Harris second, Nicole Johnstone/Tom Gray third, Peter Hargreaves/John Wherritt fourth and Katharine O’Rourke/Alan Quin fifth.

In the third event, a 25m Backstroke, Alan Quin, Peter Allen, Matilda Barling and David Sparkes broke in the final, leaving Neil Harris the last man standing to take first.

The ‘at Go’ and last event was a 25m Freestyle which saw a dead heat for fifth. Matilda Barling and Marg Ross (1.00), Nicole Johnstone (0.65) fourth, Ron Everett (0.53) third, Tom Gray (0.33) second with Neil Harris (0.31) taking first by a fingernail.

The trophy race, sponsored by the Schloeffel Family, was taken out by Neil Harris at (0.07) outside his time, and this win gave ‘The Prince’ four firsts for the morning, an amazing feat, duck webbing and all!

Lucky numbers were drawn by Peter Allen and Henry Wilcockson, and many thanks to those members assisting poolside, Jack Allen and Glenn Smith.

Tonight is the night! Starting at 6pm, Thursday, November 13, the Clive Roots Relay is on for all Dubbo Ducks. Members are being asked to arrive early, and wear a Ducks' shirt to help ensure that the event runs smoothly. The RSL cooking a barbecue for $10 per person.

The Ducks Christmas Party is also coming up on Sunday, December 14, after the swim, at the RSL restaurant. Ducks intending to compete in the Western Districts Carnival at Cobar early next February are asked to make contact for bus travel and accommodation bookings to be made.

New members always welcome. See our Dubbo Ducks entry under Sunday in the Dubbo Photo News Community Diary.

That’s this weeks tidings from the Duckpond!