Well, the picturesque 1km swim from Shelley Beach to Manly presented perfect conditions for what was to be the showdown between Dave and Richard.  After a win each (Richard last week in Bondi to Bronte and Dave in Coogee Wedding Cake Island the previous week), the boys set this 1k swim as the ‘Dual Decider’. 

With Dave and Richard technically falling into different age categories, leading to possible differences in ocean conditions between the starts, new measures were taken; and Dave dropped down an age group to provide a level playing field. 

As we milled around Shelley Beach waiting for the start, Dave and Richard showed little interest or concern in any other competitors; as far as they were concerned, it was a two man race.  This proved the same as they came blazing across the finish line.

The finish can only be described as controversial, with Dave coming over the line first, but Richard registering his time first; hence, the boys have decided they are happy to call it a draw with the dual to be decided at a later date.