THE weather conditions experienced over the past 14 weeks of aquathon competition have confused many of the participants who thought that this was a summer sport.
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Only twice has the mercury tipped over the 25 degree mark with the rest of the season being fought out in misty, cool, even autumnal conditions.
This week was no different with many of the younger contingent staying home to keep warm. The wintry malaise may also have been to blame for young gun Cameron Roberts, who missed the last two laps of the swim and only completed 500 metres. Being the honest lad that he is, he disqualified himself immediately and effectively handed victory to Craig Johnson in the men’s long distance race (600m/6km).
Gavin Moroney slipped into second place ahead of a dead heat for third between Jaemin Fraser and old fox Kerry Baxter. Perhaps due to a miscalculation of his position in the field, former three-time Goulburn triathlon champ Andy Oberg was fifth, a mere five seconds behind.
Alan Gowen rolled back the years with a creditable top-ten finish in one of the biggest open fields of the year. Four ladies also contested the long distance race with Nadine Moroney racking up her second straight win ahead of Charlie McCormack (who was nursing a hamstring strain) with Nik Christen third in yet another solid performance.
Grand Mistress of the Club and prominent sports personality, Elaine Pugh, put on another grand display, finishing a fluent fourth. The handicap winner for this week was Phil Katen, who continues to settle back into his lengthy stride.
In the men’s intermediate distance race (400m/4km) Damian Ottley was fastest ahead of Goulburn’s fittest ‘firie’ Shaune Martin. Not to be shown up by little brother Gavin, club newcomer Jason Moroney was third fastest and also first under handicap conditions.
Shane McCarthy and Neil Kennedy maintained their consistent efforts for the year to keep the younger blokes honest. Jacqui Oberg returned to the winner’s circle in the women’s race with Cathy McCarthy second and Andrea Ottley third.
Dempsee Banwell and Vanessa Toparis rounded out the field with solid results. In the novice distance young Tom Toparis blitzed older brother James, erasing the last two weeks when James was the victor.
Pierce Martin was third and Tyler Dunbar fourth in a very competitive finish. Only two girls braved the conditions but to their credit both put in personal best times, with Emma Hayes outlasting Jaime Craig for the win. Competition continues each Tuesday night at the pool at 6pm.
