Masters extend lead at Trowbridge

Event: Wiltshire Masters Round 2 Venue: Trowbridge Date: 26th May 2012

Following the first round of the 2012 Wiltshire Masters Competition back in March, Swindon Dolphin were just three points ahead; a slender lead considering it was their home round at the Link Centre.  However, a good turnout in the second round at Trowbridge kept hopes alive of regaining the title as they extended their lead to 22 points over reigning champions Salisbury.

A shaky start saw Dolphin drop into second place, 19 points behind Salisbury after the first event, the 100m backstroke.  However, some better results in the 50m butterfly and 25m freestyle reduced the deficit and a good show in the final event, the mens’ 100m breaststroke, generated sufficient points to give Dolphin an 18 point lead.  The last round of relays extended the lead further still and Dolphin now go into the final round at Salisbury in October with a healthy lead.

Points in the pool for Dolphin

New to Masters Swimming and marking a welcome return to competition after several years absence were Ben Emmerson, Rachel Moorhouse, Josh Preston and Ciara Montague, with Kevin Reilly competing in Dolphin colours for the very first time.  Also “coming of age” and savouring their first taste of Masters Swimming were Tom Newbery, Elizabeth Beckett and Liam Herbert, all of whom brought some welcome success in the lower age groups and Herbert taking his first county masters record in the 50m butterfly.

Top medallists for Dolphin on the night were Jon Audis, John Drake and Liam Herbert, all of whom enjoyed a maximum four wins from four events.  This feat also leaves Audis and Drake both tied on a maximum 24 points each in the individual under 40 years award.

Combined team scores after 2 rounds

1   Swindon Dolphin 248 2   Salisbury Stingrays 226 3   Warminster & District 144 4   Bradford on Avon86 5   Wootton Bassett Otters 77 6   Marlborough Penguins 53 7   Swindon Area Masters 49 8   Trowbridge 48 9   Corsham 34 10 Swindon ASC 4