24th Marlins Interclub

Saturday was a stinking hot day. However, by late afternoon the cool change had set the atmosphere for another glorious evening at the Harold Holt Memorial Pool. Three intrepid Belugas set forth to ensure the club was noted despite the paltry show of registrants. Duncan Howard, Paul Turner and Mike Whitburn proudly donned their club kit to alert the crowd of our intention to challenge all comers.

Paul and Duncan set forth to make their mark in the Patrick Devine 200m Individual Medley. Their valiant efforts saw a second place for each in their age groups and a new club record for Duncan in this event. It is inspirational to see such courage in a gruelling event.

Paul stepped up on the diving blocks for his 100m Breaststroke and didn’t disappoint with a third placing for his age group. Howard and Michael, in adjacent lanes, sprinted with all heart in the 100m Freestyle attempting to leave all others in their wake. Howard, though placed third in his age group, had a mysterious disqualification on the grounds of having broken the start. Mike took second place for his age group and has posted a new club record for this event.

Paul was not content that he had exhausted himself with his earlier efforts so boldly stepped up to the blocks for another 50m of Butterfly. He was still able to leave the water smiling following his charge down the pool.

Paul and Mike then slipped into the water for their 50m Backstroke event. Paul again kept pace with the leaders securing a second place. Mike regained his title for this event.

Duncan and Mike placed times in their 50m Breaststroke which would show up many of their younger competitors. Duncan cruised in to third place and Mike was able to keep his position at the top of his age group. These two made their final dash down the pool in the 50m Freestyle. Mike left the field behind in his age group and Duncan posted a very respectable time for his fifth placing.

There were insufficient numbers for the Belugas to form a relay team for the end of the proceedings despite Paul’s efforts to second a fourth swimmer from another team.

The meet concludes with a meal sponsored by the Malvern Marlins followed by presentations. The Belugas were able to take away medals again this year. Both Paul and Mike took gold for their respective age groups. Duncan should have taken home a medal as well if it had not been for an indiscretion on the blocks.

Congratulations Belugas!