Coach covers colours with Turner taking British Title

The South East Regional Short Course Masters was almost a non-starter for 2019. Calendar clashes with various local events and domestic club championships stretched officials across all counties, but thanks largely to some fine efforts from outgoing Swim England South East Masters Co-ordinator Geoff Stokes, enough volunteers (including competitors themselves) stepped up to grab a stopwatch and keep this important event in the discipline's diary running for another year!

As far as Southampton Masters was concerned however, it was a bit of a contrasting tale. With the event opening so late due to the last minute organising rush, several regulars opted to attend October's National Championships in Ponds Forge (to be honest, a better venue than The Specturm Centre in Guildford most would agree!) This left only two entrants for the Reds, and when Suzanne Van Leeuwen (45-49yrs) had to drop out, this left coach James MacTavish (35-39yrs) the solo attendee! 

To frustrate success further, his age group manifested as a check list of some of the finest late-thirty year olds in the South - Wade Rimbach (Otter), Douglas Flockhart (Out to Swim) and Nick Hope (Trafford) effectively ticked off all the titles across all strokes and distances on paper at least, and the 38-year-old wasn't exactly gunning for glory across the less favoured Backstroke and Breastroke events. However, as always, surprises are to be had....!

The 50m (00.37.33) and 100m (01.22.86) Breaststroke events became a walk in the pool for Dover's Rob Messenger, challenged only by Brighton Dolphin Matthew Lambert - leaving MacTavish with a Bronze in the sprint. Similarly with the 50m (00.30.55) and 100m (01.08.08) Butterfly and Rimbach's solid preparations for Sheffield yielded Silver linings in both. Nick Hope's debut at Regional Masters saw backstroke records tumble, but an serendipidous error on the 50m (00.33.14) start did hand Southampton at least one Title from the afternoon. 

Elsewhere, Hampshire Masters representation was on the sparse side - but there was certainly reason to cheer as Basingstoke Bluefins veteran Spencer Turner (50-54yrs) threw everything into his 100m FC (00.54.47) to reclaim his British Record! Carry that form on to Nationals and it could dip even lower!

Whilst the Regional Short Course Masters did survive for another year, it has become clear that maybe a refresh of venue (and programme) is necessary in order to attract competitors so close to Nationals. With Mr Stokes deservedly retiring from the role after over a decade in command, the mantle and challenge will pass to another - and I'm confident with support from all local clubs the event can remain a success. 

MEDAL TALLY:

GOLD : 1

SILVER : 2

BRONZE : 1

James MacTavish

CSSC Masters Coach