Masters battle on at the Link

Event: Wiltshire Masters Champioships 2013, round 2 Venue: Link Centre, Swindon Date: 6th July 2013

Swindon Dolphin resumed their defence of the Wiltshire Masters championship at the Link Centre in the second and penultimate round of the competition.  The reigning champions were already 29 points down on their main rivals Salisbury and were looking to regain the deficit with a home advantage.  However, despite a spirited effort from a Dolphin squad of 21, Salisbury managed to extend their lead to 49 points.

There was however something for the Dolphin contingent to celebrate as Alison Nye convincingly broke 55 to 59 years county records in the 50m butterfly, 25m freestyle and 100m breaststroke.  Also setting a new 18 to 24 years county standard was James Clark in the 50m butterfly competing in his first masters competition.  Other newcomers to masters were Zoe Bettinson, Rowie Meers and Robin Smith.

Dolphin’s relay teams enjoyed some success with wins in the mixed 120 to 159 years 4 x 50m freestyle, the mens 120 to 159 years 4 x 25m freestyle, the mixed 72 to 99 years 4 x 50m medley and the mens 160 to 199 years 4 x 25m medley.  There were also second places in the womens 120 to 159 4 x 25m freestyle and the womens 160 to 199 years 4 x 25m medley as well as a third place in the mens 120 to 159 years 4 x 25m freestyle.

In the overall individual rankings, Jon Audis is six points clear of his nearest rival in the 39 years and under, having taken the maximum of three points from each of the eight events so far.  Alison Nye is also in contention in the 40 years and over, just three points behind top placed Julia Kemp of Salisbury.

Winning most individual medals for Dolphin was Jon Audis and Alison Nye with a maximum four gold each.  James Clark earned three gold and one silver, denied a full house by team mate Joe Kerslake in the 100m backstroke, Kerslake being content with the one gold and two silver.  Other medallists were Ciara Montague (gold, silver), Anthony Clark (gold, bronze), Andy Holbrook (2 gold, bronze), David Ingram (2 silver), Adrian Jefferies (silver, bronze), Doug Alexander (silver), John Cholod (silver), Andy Garrett (silver), Nigel Masters (silver).

Points after round 2: Salisbury 237, Swindon Dolphin 188, Warminster & District 117, Corsham 71, Wootton Bassett Otters 65, Bradford on Avon 63, Swindon Area Masters 56, Marlborough Penguins 54, Trowbridge 24, Swindon ASC 22, Chippenham 8, Durrington Otters 3