Pelicans win 43 medals

Masters swimmers from the Ettalong Pelicans Club won 43 medals in the NSW Masters Swimming Short Course Championship held at the Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy, with 350 swimmers representing 34 clubs.

Tom Tseng won one gold and one bronze, Cameron Horn one gold, four silver and second over all, Gavin Fitzsimons one silver, two bronze, Roger Belmar two gold, two bronze, Tony Curran two gold, one silver, one bronze and third overall, Bill Cook one gold, one bronze, Russell Thompson one silver, one bronze, Fred Elsom three gold, two silver and second overall, Colleen Garland one silver, Irene Collins three silver, one bronze and Opal Eddy three gold, two silver and second overall.

Nine relays were entered, with the Pelicans winning gold in one, and two silver and three bronze in subsequent events.

Pelicans finished in fourth place in overall point score and fourth place in the average point score.

"They were also winners of the second division trophy for the average point score," said Pelicans publicity officer Mr Fred Elsom.

"For a team of only 14 swimmers, this was an excellent performance.

"The event was successful and well organised, running smoothly throughout the two days, a credit to the 40 volunteer organisers among whom were two members from Ettalong Pelicans, Gordon Ferguson and Opal Eddy."

Mr Elsom said visiting swimmers and officials were "very impressed" with the Leisure Centre and expressed a wish to return in the future.

"Competition was of a high standard with two world records and 25 Australian National records and many State records were set over the two days," Mr Elsom said.

"The Ettalong swimmers all performed exceptionally well, with particular mention to Colleen Garland producing five personal best swims also to Wendy Cook returning to competition after recent ill health.

"Irene Collins and Judy Brown returning after several years layoff performed very well.

"Gavin Fitzsimons competing in his first Masters Championship performed above expectations including a magnificent swim in the anchor leg of the 60-years-plus men's relay coming through from third position at takeover to win by 0.14 seconds over the strong Seaside Pirates' team."

The club meets at the Peninsula Leisure Centre each Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7pm.

With inquiries, contact Gordon Ferguson on 4369 3194.

Press release, November 7 Fred Elsom, Woy Woy Pelicans