Binalong’s Amelia Duffy, Olivia McColl and Sophie McColl.
The 2018 Shine Shield swimming competition drew to a close at the Yass Swimming Pool on a blazingly hot Saturday, with temperatures hovering in the high 30’s all afternoon. Race starter, Phil Furlonger was forced to resort to using a watering can to ensure swimmers wouldn’t be burnt by the scorching aluminium starting blocks.
As always, each town held a carnival, with Boorowa holding the first on January 6, and Harden, Binalong and Jugiong following repsectively, before the conclusion at Yass. Participation points were awarded for each event swimmers participated in, with parents also encouraged to partake. After a decade-long absence, Boorowa had competed strongly in the four previous carnivals and were rewarded at Yass with a win in the “March Past” in very smart style.
So close were the scores at the conclusion of the carnival, that the overall standings were not able to be determined. The final rankings were established by Tuesday, with Yass triumphant, on 1,947 points. Last year’s victor, Jugiong, came in at second on 1,877. Harden’s team swam excellently, finishing in third with 1,862 points. Binalong would take out fourth position, claiming 1,725 points, with Boorowa’s team rounding out the rankings with 1,574 points.
The relay rankings were also topped by Yass, claiming 186 points. Binalong would come in at second, with 138 points, while Jugiong claimed third with 132 points. Boorowa and Harden would round out the five, with 96 and 78 points respectively. Yass organiser, Michael Wilkinson said, “I would like to thank all five clubs and their volunteers for the very fine competition they have provided.” Although no records were broken at the event, all swimmers participated admirably, and are to be congratulated for their efforts.
