MALVERN MARLINS SEPTEMBER REPORT
2015 Long Course Relay ChampionshipsMarlins had a terrific response from members to participate in the Relay Meet held at MSAC on Sunday 27th September. We had 39 entrants and were able to field 47 teams on the day. Nicky Kerr once again orchestrated our teams and Steve Bottomley was team manager on the day.
This year the Marlins really came of age! We were able to field a 280+ Women’s team (Pat Baker, Judy Gregory, Joan Simpson and Mary Williams) as well as 320+ Men’s
teams (Patrick Galvin, Jim Macilwain, Peter Balderstone, Peter Couttie and John Cocks).
The 280+ ladies had stiff opposition from Doncaster Dolphins, but still managed to pick up two first and two second placings. Our 320+ men’s team were without peer. Their efforts were applauded by all present
at the meet. The men created two National Records and broke another by a significant margin. These ladies and gentlemen are an inspiration to all.
We were well represented with officials too. Deryn Thomas, Julie Johnson, Jan Green, John Marshall and Judy Gregory were all spotted on and around the pool deck, working hard to make the event possible as well as fun for the swimmers.
The post meet debrief and refuel at the Emerald Hotel was another wonderful gathering, where camaraderie, tall stories and performance re-enactments abounded.
With so many swimmers, it was no surprise that the Marlins won the Meet with a team score of 890 points, followed by Doncaster Dolphins 534, and Glamourhead Sharks 384, and Powerpoints 312.
Eurogames in Stockholm, Sweden
We’d also like to congratulate second claim member Kodie Webb, who competed at the Eurogames in Stockholm, Sweden 5-8 August. Kodie won a gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals and swam 2 PB’s including a 2min 17 for 200m freestyle and 2min 53 for his 200m breaststroke. Well done Kodie.
Upcoming Events
Next on our calendar is the Ardoch Fundraising Swim from Tuesday 27th October to Sunday 1st November. Members donate $5 and do a timed 800m swim and raise money for our local charity.
We are also looking forward to our Melbourne Cup Day training session where Chief Steward, Andrea McNeil, runs a racing themed session along with horsey trivia questions and a hotly contested Malvern Marlins Melbourne Cup relay race. The track is predicted to be wet.
Socially we have our annual bike ride coming up on Sunday 25 October. Members will be riding from the Kooyong Tennis Club, following the Yarra River along to the Abbotsford Convent for refreshments and then returning.
Daphne Briggs
