It was a new venue to most, and a new personal best distance attempt for one. The day certainly set up for a great story.

Joshua Scott, Mick Bransby, Marg McDonald, Clare Payne and Chad Schneider all put on the extremely restrictive orange cap and stroked out for the very flat 5km swim.

We all started a bit tentatively, but found a groove as we went. With all the training we've been putting in, it was no surprise to hear that a few shoulders were a tad bit tight.

Of five club entrants, we brought home two gold medals and one silver; however, the more interesting fact was that the two not receiving an award were the only two to actually finish ahead of anyone else in their age groups. Makes the whole award system seem strange to me.

The best award was the confidence the group took away having a 5km swim under their belts going into the start of an exciting season.

Well done, all!