State Long Course Report 2010 (Part 1)

Just for the record, as a Club, Seaside Pirates scored 1506 points in winning the State Long Course Title in 2010. Second (Manly), Third (Blacktown) and Fourth (Warringah) scored 1052, 1049 and 1017 points respectively. 39 different clubs competed, and it was great to share some friendly jostling with Terrey Hills, who displayed definite potential in one of their early carnivals.

Pirates dominated in many age groups in the pool, but also in the stands where we excelled in good looks and quickness of wit...OK maybe I'm pushing the boundaries a little :)

Let's look at some individual performances...again...John Bates arrived at the carnival with the aim of taking the National 50 Fly record for 40-44's...he did it with metres to spare, and then proceeded to take Darren Paton's State 50 Free record too....then put his all into the relays..all with a 5 foot wide cheezy grin. Who's the Man??

Anyone looking to take on our 45-49 years ladies met with two of the nicest smiling (swimming) assassins you could wish to meet, in the form of Christie Krenkles and Cathy Codling. Christie and Cathy race and train at an amazing pace, and along with "youngster" Rachel Ireland have been recognised by an un-named Commonwealth Games swimmer as some of the fittest mums on the planet. The 45-49 age group yields a massively strong Pirates Team, and includes Louise Price, Carolyn Opie, Viv Allen, Lee Mason and Tracy McGuire. This group alone scored more points for Pirates than the total points scored by 23 of the 39 competing clubs. Amazing

In the 40-44 womens group, youngster Rachel Ireland, spritely Christy Clarke and spring chicken Cathie Fuller all punched above their weight, with Rachel smashing out great breaststroke swims, Cathy dominating in the fly, and Christie, who we all know as a backstroker, pulling an amazing 100 fly PB out of her tush.

Watch for more to come soon

Cap'n Mark