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NEWBURY SUB AQUA CLUB BSAC 50th ANNIVERSARY WATER SPORTS GALAin aid of theRoyal National Lifeboat Institution
Romsey Sub-Aqua Club
Five teams from Newbury, Romsey and Bracknell Sub Aqua Clubs gathered in Newbury on a foggy December evening to take part in NSAC’s Water Sports Gala in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, and to celebrate BSAC’s 50th Anniversary with a bit of inter-branch socialising.
First off was a fairly conventional set of freestyle heats, but then followed the more serious business of the egg (golf ball) and spoon race, over two widths, won by Andrew from Romsey. By the end of the breaststroke heats Andrew was making a bit of a name for himself and had to be warned that he would be disqualified if he finished another race first.
The diving competition gave those of a more robust build a chance to excel. Richard, the Regional Coach, and Michael, the Bracknell Entertainments Officer, joined Graham, the NSAC organiser, to judge the event (marks out of 5), but clearly had difficulty understanding that a back somersault with knife like entry to the water (Andrew) should score zero, while an all out belly flop (Sean) should score 5. After a second round, the art of crude diving prevailed with Dave (Newbury) and Sean (Bracknell) being judged joint winners.
The Octopush relay (five lengths of the pool, without fins) was an innovation, though a bit time consuming. Perhaps the most alarming feature was that three teams were disqualified because they were unable to finish the course. However, Romsey and Newbury had heat times within five seconds of each other, with Romsey winning the final.
The feet first race provided an opportunity for someone other than Andrew to win, but only because he was disqualified for finishing first. Undiscouraged he went on to win the freestyle final, the breaststroke final and the marathon (three lengths underwater, without fins, on a single breath).
Weight lifting (9kg lifted from 2.6m by a 10kg SMB, filled by lungpower) is an event where practice pays off. Fortunately, none of the teams had practiced, but Romsey’s two teams still achieved 25 seconds and 30 seconds respectively. Target shooting, with polo balls, was another event where practice might have paid off as the four joint winners were the only ones to even hit the target.
The teams retired to the pub where the main purpose of the evening, socialising with other branches, continued for some time. Romsey (and/or Andrew) were the clear winners of the gala, but Bracknell and Newbury will be looking for revenge (in Romsey?) next year.
Thanks to Graham for organising the gala and to all those who attended, as competitors or spectators, raising £150 for the RNLI.
NEWBURY SUB AQUA CLUB BSAC 50th ANNIVERSARY WATER SPORTS GALAin aid of theRoyal National Lifeboat Institution
Thursday 18th December 2003 - RESULTS
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