Hemel Hempstead’s senior swimmers competed at Borehamwood last weekend in the annual Herts Masters. Fifteen members turned out to represent the club, which they managed to do in some style.
Pam Ware was on outstanding form throughout the evening, picking up no less than four Personal Best times as well as a medal for her age group in every event she swam. She took gold in the 100IM and 50m butterfly, as well as silvers in the 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle.
Sian MacDonald was another Master to score two golds – in the 100IM and 50m breaststroke – along with two bronzes in the 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly
Also on top form was Dave Pirrie, who took home a gold medal for his 100IM and also claimed silvers in the 50m breaststroke, freestyle and butterfly.
Natasha Weisz, a relatively recent addition to the Masters squad, won her 50m backstroke and came third in the 50m freestyle.
Mark Ayres, known to many at the club for his distinctive announcer’s voice, managed to claim four medals: a silver in his 100IM, and bronzes in the 50m breaststroke, butterfly and freestyle.
Meanwhile Head Coach, Charles Dainton, too busy coaching to ever find time to get in the pool and train himself, proved he can put into practice what he preaches by swimming an impressive 50m breaststroke race to come home in second place. His 50m freestyle also earned him a fourth position.
Daughter, Nicky Dainton, came third in her favoured 50m backstroke, while Kim Hamilton added to the club’s medal tally with a bronze in the 50m breaststroke.
Liz Sherriff and Martyn Hall, making their debut appearances as Masters, both managed to post some very impressive times, showing that, having swum competitively as youngsters, neither of them has lost the knack.
After a fast turnaround of individual races, the team had to get ready to dive in again for the relays. The Mixed 4x25m Medley Relay team of Natasha Weisz, Mark Ayres, Dave Pirrie and Pam Ware came third in their race, as did the Womens’ 4x50m Freestyle team of Claudia Cruttwell, Sian MacDonald, Pam Ware and Natasha Weisz.
Overall, Hemel Hempstead’s Masters finished in fourth place, against a strong contingent of Herfordshire clubs, some with much larger Masters sections. A very creditable result indeed.
Full results are availabe on the Herts ASA website click here