Sunday saw another club trophy event held - the 800 Metre Handicap swim. In another tight finish, Craig Simmonds managed to just hold on to be first across the line.
A strong easterly made for flat conditions on this swim to Floreat groyne and back. Having failed to disclose to the handicapper that he has started swimming training since Christmas, Craig Simmonds took advantage of his "runner's handicap" to pull clear of the field on the return journey and a win seemed a formality.
But the final turning can was placed well out to sea, meaning the final swim to the beach was over a hundred metres, straight into the easterly. As Craig began to falter, the stronger swimmers in the following pack were able to close in. Kate Dromey pulled up next to Craig and they swam side by side most of the way in.
With Kate able to catch up but not able to get ahead, Craig was still the favourite over the long bank run to the finish line. But the race had another twist in it as Tom Dowling swam a far straighter line to the beach, and hit the bank at the same time as Craig.
But in the end Craig's running form, along with his determination not to blow the only chance he's ever had to actually win a swimming race, meant that he was able to win the sprint across the bank and cross ahead of Tom, with Kate third and the rest of the pack not far behind.
Tom does get the consolation of recording the fastest time for the males, while Alicia Marriott was the fastest female.
* All placings are subject to members completing patrol and other requirements, as contained in the club By-Laws
