Up the M5 we went again for the third time this year, to, on this occasion the Gloucester Masters Open Meet on Sunday 15^th April. Thanks to Matt for volunteering to drive with another 7.00am start from LMLC. This was the biggest Gloucester Masters yet (the first time Crediton had entered). There were some very quick swimmers at this meet, especially in the 25-29 age group. A couple of British Records were also broken in other age groups.

The first event of the day, the 400m Freestyle attracted 67 swimmers, with Matt being one of them. This was a very difficult tactical event in which pacing and maintaining stroke count is of upmost importance. Matt finished this event in personal best (PB) time of 5:07.90 and for his efforts won a bronze medal. Next Rob and Darren competed in the same heat (this being one of three in which they raced side by side – and was not even planned) of the 50m Breaststroke. Both Rob and Darren swimming their best times this year in 34.07 and 35.60 (gold medal) respectively. Up next, Emma swam a PB in the 100m Breaststroke just missing out on a medal but being pushed to a time of 1:28.13. Darren and Rob then swam the 50m Butterfly in 29.94 (silver medal) and 30.26 respectively. Matt finished the morning with a hard swim in 100m Freestyle (1:03.21).

After a quick check to ensure Matt’s car had not been towed away and another warm up Rob and Darren swam the 100m IM to another close finish with Rob winning on the touch in a time of 1:11.27 (best time this year) and Darren 1:11.42 (gold medal). Emma then swam the 50m Breaststroke and again was just beaten into 4^th place in a time of 39.54. Darren then tried to swim 100m Butterfly, but lost his way and then all three lads competed in the 50m Freestyle with Rob fastest in 27.77, Matt in 28.00 and Darren in 28.25 (gold).

It was such a well participated meet that the team didn’t arrive back (exhausted) at the centre until 7.45pm. Back to the training to prepare for some club galas before the County, Western’s and Nationals commence after the summer break. Hopefully we will have a large contingency of Crediton swimmers at the Devon’s (Tiverton) when some of the older Junior (16+) members will be able to compete in their first County competition.

Report written by Darren Beer

Rob & Daniel

Rob Brimacombe, Daniel Weston and Darren Beer swam Royal Navy Masters at Millfield in Somerset. Following a very early start (clocks changing) and a 9.00am warm up, they all swam events through the day in a well organised, entertaining and enjoyable atmosphere.
Rob (25-29 age group) swam four events 50m Breaststroke (34.66), 50m Freestyle (27.76), 100m Individual Medley (1:11.56) and 50m Butterfly (29.60). This was one of the toughest competing age groups, with Rob just missing out on some medals but winning and impressive Silver in the 50m Breaststroke and achieving a personal best in the 50m Butterfly. There will be greater expectations next year when he moves up an age group.
Daniel who has severe autism races in the S14 classification and is currently making preparations for competing at the British Learning Disability Swimming Championships on the 12th May in Sheffield. At Millfield Daniel (Senior age group) competed in four events winning a great Silver medal in the 100m Butterfly (1:45.73).
Darren, who this year moved up an age group, swam 100m Butterfly (1:09.16), 50m Breaststroke (35.82), 50m Butterfly (30.37), 100m Breaststroke (1:20.10) and 100m Freestyle (1:04.09). His medal haul included 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze. This was capped off with Darren winning a cup (well a mug) for Age Group Winner (17 swimmers in this age group) thanks to swimming his first (and maybe last) 100m Freestyle in 18 years.

All swimmers said they would be returning next year as the clocks are changing the week before. Hopefully a few more swimmers will be joining them for 2013?

Report written by Darren Beer

Emma, Matt, Rob & Darren with their medal haul at the Welsh Nationals

Pictured here are four members (Emma Power, Matt Hockin, Rob Brimmacombe and Darren Beer) of the Masters section Crediton and District Swimming Club who competed at the Welsh open Masters Championships over the weekend of the 17^th and 18^th March. They can be seen displaying their medal haul at the 50m Swansea Welsh National Pool.

Between them they won an impressive 5 firsts, 3 seconds and 2 thirds. This was in spite of a three and a half hour car journey and a night in the local Travelodge following the Welsh support being very vocal after winning the Six Nations Grand Slam until the early hours, but all enjoyed the experience of swimming in a long course pool,

On day one Darren (45-49 age group) won a silver medal in the 200m Individual Medley (2:37.76) followed by Matt(25-29 age group) gaining silver in the 100m Freestyle (1:03.65). Darren then swam a very difficult (or stupid) 200m Butterfly to win in 2:44.00,  a Championship Record! The fastest time ever swam at the Welsh Nationals in the 200m Butterfly for the 45-49 age group! The previous record had stood since 1996, so an amazing achievement. To cap day one both Emma (25-29 age group) and Rob (25-29 age group) won their 50m Breaststroke events in 40.25 and 35.47 respectively.

Following some refreshment and a rather large burger in the local hostelry and about two hours sleep they were ready for day two.  Darren kicked it off with a win in the 100m Butterfly (1:12.35), followed by Matt, Rob and Emma swimming in the 50m Freestyle with Emma winning silver (32.11) and Rob winning bronze (27.96). Emma then knocked 12 seconds off her entry time in the 100m Breaststroke to come second (1:30.57). Darren and Rob wrapped it up with a 50m Butterfly sprint, Darren winning gold (30.49) and Rob swimming an impressive 30.33.

All in all a very good weekend for everyone – congratulations

Report written by Darren Beer

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