RTSC Gala Reports

Saturday 5th December - Essex League Division 1 - Rochford

With more than 50 swimmers away competing at open meets in either Guildford or Corby it was touch and go whether Town would even be able to muster a team for this season's first Division One gala, it was our magnificent masters section that came to our rescue and added some fantastic entertainment into the bargain.

Over half of the team were gaining their first experience of a very tough Essex League competition and all did themselves proud on a night when our two main rivals in the competion were unable to field teams. Our equal 3rd place finish thus ensured that we still have a chance of retaining the league title for the 7th season running.

Dean Martin produced our first win of the evening with a great swim in the Open Mens 100m Butterfly. Natalie Ward was second in the Ladies Open. Natalie was soon teaming up with Nicole Raymond, Nicola Rees and Kay Hamilton to win the Ladies Open Medley Relay in fine style. The men were not to be outdone with Ross Paterson, Gary Wraight and Dean setting up Martin Lane to bring us home first with an explosive final leg. The same teams won their Freestyle Relays later in the evening with comparative ease.

In between there were second places for Nicole and Natalie in the 100m Backstroke and Breaststroke respectively. Then a Town win double in the Open Freestyle from Nicole and Martin, who just took the race on the touch after another exciting final 25m.

Wins were few and far between outside of this category, but Amy Beardwell-Lacey scored good points for the club with a win in the Girls 15 and under 100m Backstoke and 2nd place in the Butterfly.

Sam Allsop looked impressive in winning the Boys 13 and under 100m Backstroke and it was great to see Luke Sheridan coming back to full health and form and breaking 1 min 10 seconds for 2nd place in the Boys 13 years 100m Freestyle.

Chloe Thompson, only just 10, did very well to pick up second place in the 11 and under 50m Butterfly. Later she teamed up with Erin Corney (10), Katie Trott (10) and Jessica Watts to achieve 2nd place in the Girls 11 and under Medley Relay.There were good 2nd place swims in the 11 and under 50m Freestyle events from new recruit Tommy Beardsell and Yasmin Morris who continues to improve with each swim.

Other swimmers that helped add valuable points to the Town score were Robert Benson, David Brooks, Laura Brooks, Ben Davis, Charlotte Chuck, Liam Fearon, Michael Fearon, Shara Islam, Lewis Julian, Rebecca Martin, Josh Rogers and Vanessa Sutton. Many of whom were asked to compete against rivals who were 2 or more years older and/or compete in events that they would not normally swim, but who were all prepared to do their bit for the club.

Final Scores:

1. Rochford 250
2. Runnymede 213
3. Halstead 200
3. Romford Town 200
Chelmsford - Did not swim
Borough of Waltham Forest - Did not swim

Well done to all