Buoyed by Manly, too much wind under Jack’s wings
CYMS WINGER and one of the Dubbo Duck’s most exciting newcomers, Jack Allen, is a “Manly Sea Eagles tragic”. He was so pumped after the maroon and whites 36-0 whitewash of the Gold Coast Titans at Mudgee on Saturday that he flew off the blocks and broke his time!
“Jack’s enthusiasm is great, always smiling and revving his rivals and with his infectious nature, it hasn’t taken him long to blend in with the rest of the Duck stirrers. There were plenty who were primed to ruffle his feathers on Sunday morning, but with Jack in the middle and fellow Seagles, dad Peter and veteran beach to bush swimmer Norm Bahr by his side, the other Ducks had nothing to quack about,” Publicity Officer Judy Walsh laughed.
Although numbers were down a bit, Judy says the “co-captains” kept everyone on their webbed feet.
“Sparksy and Mark Scullard put on a tough program that embraced all the strokes, however, in true Duck spirit, the flock rose to the challenge. Some even invented their own unique interpretations,” Judy added.
Apparently there was plenty of banter and competitiveness when the “top guns” lined up on the blocks, especially in the final of the brace relay.
“Young Jack led the charge with partner Glen Smith, however they broke the time barrier and had to stand back as Scull and Roger Mackay clinched the gold medal in a very, very close race.
“Mr Consistent, Ron Everett swam his usual race in the final of the 50m Freestyle and got the green flag ahead of Sea Eagle and Greg ‘The Fish’ Salmon who both broke their times.
Tom Gray, the ageless Rooster, managed another win in the 25m Butterfly when he touched within 0.10 of his time.
“Well done too Jeff Dawes, who also swam close to his time in the Butterfly. Mark Scullard went within a millisecond of breaking in the 25m Breaststroke ahead of Mark Prentice.
The Dubbo RSL Veteran Swimming Club Ducks will come together on ANZAC Day at the Cenotaph to pay tribute to those who have served our country so there will be no swimming this week. Many of the original members and several current swimmers have given their time in the armed forces and remain active in community organisations such as Legacy.