FOR the sixth year in a row Matt Hockin and Darren Beer from Crediton and District Swimming Club headed for the Masters swimming capital of the UK - Ponds Forge in Sheffield, for the annual National Masters Championships at the end of October.

There was no time to rest after a four-hour journey, as it was straight to the pool to warm up before the afternoon’s racing.

First up was Darren, swimming in the 100m individual medley just dipping under his recent personal best in 1.09.31 followed by Matt in the 200m freestyle achieving his season’s best of 2.23.84 and his swim of the Championships.

Next up Matt and Darren clashed in the relays both swimming at the same time in opposite pools along with their Devon team members.

During the evening session Darren swam the 200m breaststroke (2.44.56), smashing his personal best achieved in 2014 by one-and-a-half seconds and in doing so winning a silver medal and reducing his own South West record.

Due to the late finish it was straight back to the hotel to refuel.

It was an early 9am start on the Saturday for Darren swimming the gruelling 400m individual medley but in doing so he added another silver medal to his collection and swimming his best time for two years.

After some rest Matt swam his first swim of the day, the 50m freestyle (28.86) and Darren joined forces for the four x 200m freestyle relay and later in the day both swam the sprint 50m butterfly, Darren touching home in 29.65 seconds and Matt 33.17.

The evening was spent socialising with 15 swimmers from all over the UK and coach for the weekend, Olly, travelling all the way from France.

The extra hour from the clocks changing was used strategically to extend the evening gathering.

Sunday morning proved the most fruitful session of the championship with a gold medal won by Matt and a third silver for Darren.

Matt’s first National Championship medal was attained early Sunday, swimming as the lead off swimmer in the mixed four x 200m freestyle relay.

While Darren’s was won by focusing on the brutal 200m butterfly, after opting out of the 200m individual medley, he made the right decision and was also rewarded with another South West record in 2.39.92.

Matt finished his weekend of swimming, competing in the 100m freestyle touching home in 1.04.76, while Darren’s last swim was on Sunday afternoon in the sprint 50m breaststroke event.

With adrenaline pumping he swam to an all-time personal best of 34.27 seconds shaving three-quarters off his previous best.

A great weekend of swimming was had by both Matt and Darren swimming for four medals and three personal bests.

Alan Quick