Fourteen hardy souls, representing lanes 1 through to 6, make it to the Southbury Leisure Centre in Enfield for this year’s Middlesex champs. We were defending our overall and men’s trophies and were under strict instructions from Coach Steve to get as many points as possible. Sadly, despite Steve’s encouragement, we couldn’t keep up with the massive Camden team (about three times the size of ours!), and we had to relinquish our grasp on the trophies. Next year guys it would be brilliant to get as many people as possible up to this meet – there’s something for everyone, with 200fc, 100IM and then 50s in every stroke, plus a few relays. It’s an excellent way of meeting some more Otters and other London masters swimmers. 

Anyway, back to the meet – new faces included Matt Burgham, who clinched 1st in the 50bk (25-29) and showed some good pace in his other 50s, and Simon Greenburgh, who happily stepped up to a few ‘surprise’ relay events. And following her successes at the Isle of Wight earlier on in the year, Courtney Campbell ventured north and was very excited to find herself swimming in a pool with electronic timing and touch pads! Hope you enjoyed it guys. There were further promising times posted in the build up to the nationals, especially considering we’re yet to hit the taper. These included Michelle Senecal breaking 2.30 in 200fly (3rd against fc swimmers); Fiona Marshall nipping under 35 in the 50br (2nd); 2.04 for Dan Bullock in the 200fc (2nd); along with Cat Dobson posting some solid times in her 50bk (1st) and 50fc (4th).

Club records were posted by Barbara Woodward, making her debut in UK waters following her posting to China, in the 50fc and 50br, with Lesley ‘Jester’ Cook breaking records in her age in the 50bk and 50br.

In the combined time competition, Captain Hobson came out on top with a combined time over the six events of 5mins 41.9, with Damien Chaveriat following less than a second behind in second with 5mins 42.81 (I don’t think I’ll be holding him off next year!), and Lesley Cook third (6mins 59.19) – well done to everyone who took on all six events.

Thanks to Roger, Steve and Damien for ferrying most of us backwards and forwards to the depths of north London and saving us from the perils of public transport.

Gina