A last minute withdrawal brought Grafton’s team back to 14 for the recent Lismore mid winter carnival. However quick adjustments were made to the proposed relay teams and at the end of the day all competitors seemed to be happy with their performance. A special mention must go to Geoff Simkus who had the unenviable task of swimming in two relays, both of which were being run at the same time. A quick dash by Geoff down the side of the pool saw him arrive just in time to dive in off the side to complete his second leg of the relay. In the 8 x 25m freestyle relay Grafton scored first and second place. The “Flying Ducks” consisting of Andrew Madden, Doug Ensbey, Gary Dixon, Geoff Simkus, David Moon, Trevor Want, James Steinke and Ian Goodman took first place and the “Duckettes” consisting of Anne Simkus, Jill Enks, Toni Ensbey, Sonja Beukers, Helen Little, Roz Donohoe, Sharon Danvers and Jenny Vickery came home just 1.15 behind the men to take second place. Grafton was again successful in the 50m freestyle with Sonja Beukers taking the win and Geoff Simkus, only .16 behind scoring second place. In the 25m freestyle, David Moon was unlucky to be pushed in to second place by the small margin of .05 and Ian Goodman was placed third. Also making it through to the semi finals in these events were Doug Ensbey, Jenny Vickery, Anne Simkus and Gary Dixon. The 4 x 25m freestyle relay finals saw Grafton’s teams “Fly United” and “Flamingo’s” take second and third place and in the 4 x 25m Medley relay The “Flamingos” managed to take third place with “The Flying Ducks” coming home in fourth place. To round off the day a 100m event was run and Doug Ensbey was the only Grafton entry to be place in the first five, managing second place and only .53 off the winner. On Tuesday week it was wonderful to have life member Terry Marsh back in the swim along with Gracie Girot and Chris Grant. Results for the night were:- The Wykes Tyrepower Cup – starters were Steve Donnelly, Richard Sear, Trevor Want, Chris Grant and Terry Marsh. All the lads were far too keen in this event with all bar one being disqualified. Chris was the only honest swimmer and was presented with the cup for the month of August. The 50m freestyle saw Tyler Durrington, David Moon, Toni Ensbey, Bruce Durrington and Damien O’Mahony lining up in the final and the results were Tyler first, David second and Toni third. A closest to nominated time 25m kickboard relay was also held with the win going to Max and Jake Kroehnert. Jenny Vickery and Jack Weatherstone were second and Wilson Burns and Gracie Girot were third. Toni Ensbey