12. Junior Coniston

Junior Coniston Sunday 7th September 2008 SHORTENED COURSE DUE TO INCLAMENT WEATHER 3.25 MILE   When I arrived at the Bluebird Cafe at 8.30am It was calm the sun was out and everything looked fine. When Jean Wilkin Oxley arrived she informed me that it was not the same story at the start at Nibthwaite Park and it was very windy. We discussed this with Chris Green and decided we would shorten the course to the veterans course of 3.25 miles. As usual everybody pulled together and even though it was a struggle to get crews and swimmers in the water at the start, we made it. Right from the start Chris Suggitt meant business and went into the lead from take off. Sarah Lucas, Nicola Fraser and Eve Fellows chased him. After about a mile gaps appeared with Eve pulling away and Sarah and Nicola neck and neck. Ian, Alex and Haley kept good pace in difficult conditions. Thomas Nerac from Jersey just kept going. Chris Suggitt was a dominant finisher, but by the look on his face it was tough. Eve Fellows followed in for 1st place Girl, excitement loomed Sarah and Nicola sprint for the end 2 sec's between them Sarah just edging out Nicola. As the rest of the field came first Ian then Alex we knew conditions were still tough for swimmers, even though spectators were bathed in sunshine. Thomas Nerac didn't finish last year so he came back to finish the job. Even though he was a long way behind his determination was amazing. All spectators rallied round for a spectacular applause for Thomas Nerac from Jersey. Well Done to you all. My thanks go to: Coniston Boating Company, Daniel BLDSA boat, Andy Wright BLDSA boat, Chris Green and Norma, Jean Wilkin Oxley, all canoeists who had a tough job, Joe Coy who rowed and Brian Ferrand for Canoe and everybody at the Bluebird Cafe. A special thanks to all volunteers on the day and finally to all swimmers who always surprise me with their determination to beat the lake and survive. Well Done. See you all in 2009 Stephen Smith (Swim Secretary)

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