Regional Record for Halford as Crawley's K2 strikes gold

With the principle Master's County Championships moving to the busy September month for the first time, all expected the South East Regional Short Course event to be a little subdued for 2025...and as far as Hampshire went, it was. Depend on the familiar faces of Basingstoke Bluefins and South Down Trojans to bring the pedigree, as well as the more Capital-centric Rushmoor Royals, but notable absences of regulars across all events and distances. Some interesting shifts in race focus, with popular 50m events seemingly dropped in favour of 200m (possible last-chance saloon for those aiming for English SC Nationals later in October) and some firery flurishes in the butterfly events for a change - especially in the nacient age-divisions. Melissa Halford (30-34yrs) amongst some stern compeition, but relishing the 25m adaptation of Crawley's K2 Centre to seize Triple Gold over favoured events - 100m Butterfly (01.05.71) and 100m IM (01.09.63) positioning the soon 30-year-old debutant well ahead of the annual Ponds Forge pilgriamage. Sharpest of all, the 50m Butterfly (00.29.45) notched up a new Championship Record for the Southampton Master. 

Carl Halford (30-34yrs) ensured the household went back with matching Hims-and-Hers, Gold title defended over the 400m FC (04.32.27) with former Southampton University swimmer Mark Tuddenham for considerable company. The Woking Swimmer also lead the way over some formidable performances from Matt Nash (25-29yrs), battling his way to a string of Personal Bests over the 100m FC (01.00.86), 200m Butterfly (02.39.86) and 100m Butterfly (01.04.44)... but rewarded with double Bronze for his final two shoulder-busting efforts! James MacTavish (40-44yrs) swiftly switched from nominated timekeeper and poolside marshal to claim an unexpected Regional Title over the 100m Butterfly (01.10.86), in it to win it as the saying goes!

Finally, Tim O'Brien (70-74yrs) didn't have it all his own way over the weekend, composed 200m FC (02.59.58) and 100m Breaststroke (01.39.56) saw titles tumble the Seventy-two-year-old's direction, but indominable rivals in Stephen Braine of Middlesex and Faversham's Paul Reynolds over FC distances saw the veteran settle for Bronze...still, a fine collection of Six podium placings in total!

A useful addition as always ahead of the marathon three-day weekend in Sheffield to come - with no doubt many British, European and World records to be set over both individual and relays. Southampton will endeavour as always to mix it with the best!

MEDAL TALLY :

GOLD : 8

SILVER : 0

BRONZE : 5

TOTAL : 13

James MacTavish

City of Southampton Masters Coach