RTSC Gala Reports

14th June 2008 - Essex Mini League - Hornchurch

Town's youngsters go the distance

Somewhat ironically, Town's "home" league gala is held in Hornchurch's 33m pool and for many of our younger swimmers this was their first ever swim in a 33m pool. For most others this would be their first time in such a pool since last year's home fixture. So, despite good first and second final positions in this season's opening two galas, this fixture was a bit of a journey into the unknown and there was a risk that the unaccustomed extra 8 metres per length would take it's toll on our novices.

However, we needn't have worried as it soon became evident that solid technique and good stamina would carry Town's swimmers through. In fact Romford Town won 24 of the 48 events and they can enjoy the coming summer break poised to push on and retain their Mini League title.

There were 7 individual wins in the Girls events: Hannah Coles (13 and under Butterfly and also the Open Butterfly), Danielle Butterworth (13 and under Backstroke and Open Breaststroke), Laura Brooks (11 and under Breaststroke), Lyndsay McClachlan (13 and under Breaststroke) and Alex Rose (13 and under Freestyle),

There were 5 individual wins in the Boys events: Conor Toolis (13 and under Butterfly), Conor Houlihan (11 and under Breaststroke), Billy Bass (13 and under Breaststroke), Charlie Davis (13 and under Backstroke) and Martin Butterworth (Open Backstroke).

Town's strength in depth was clearly demonstrated by 12 further wins in the relay events. Maddie Webber, Jessica Watts, Arabella Woolf and Victoria Bishop won the 9 year old Girls Breaststoke relay and also the Freestyle relay where Sophie Ward replaced Maddie. The 10 year olds Freestyle was won with Sophie and Jessica being joined by Bethany Moore and Megan McAuliffe.

There was also wins for the 13 and under Girls team of Lyndsay McLachlan, Hannah Coles, Danielle Butterworth and Alex Rose with Emma Marney and Jessica Coles joining Lyndsay and Alex to take the Open Girls race.

The Squadron Butterfly relays were both won with Sophie Ward, Laura Brooks, Bethany Moore, Lyndsay McLachlan, Emma Marney and Hannah Coles swimming for the Girls. Oliver Coles, Sam Hollington, Sam Allsop, Josh Rogers, Martin Butterworth and Andrew Ward won it for the Boys.

There was also a Squadron Breastroke relay double with Maddie Webber, Megan McAuliffe, Laura Brooks, Danielle Butterworth, Alex Rose and Jessica Coles victorious for the Girls and Conor Houlihan, Jonathan Toolis, Tony Bass, Michael Fearon, Andrew Ward and Martin Butterworth for the Boys.

There was a win for Jack Lane, Sam Hollington, Jonathan Toolis and Conor Houlihan in the 10 and under Boys Freestyle and for Sam Hollington, Sam Allsop, Tony Bass and Charlie Davis in the 11 and under. For the 13 and under, Josh Rogers, Michael Feraon, Billy Bass and Conor Toolis won, as did the Open Boys, Andrew Ward, David Ward, Billy Bass and Conor Toolis.

Individual second places were achieved by Maddie Webber (10 and under Backstroke and Freestyle), Sophie Ward (11 and under Backstroke and Butterfly), Victoria Bishop (10 and under Backstroke), Emma Marney (Open Backstroke) and Alex Rose (Open Freestyle)

Boys taking second places were Jack Lane (10 and under Freestyle), Charlie Davis (11 and under Butterfly), Joshua Rogers (13 and under Freestyle), David Ward (Open Freestyle and Breastroke)

Useful 3rd place points were scored by Andrew Isaacs (10 and under Backstroke), Sam Allsop (10 and under Butterfly), Jonathan Toolis (Breastroke), Tony Bass (11 and under Backstroke) and Michael Fearon (Open Butterfly)

Massive personal best times resulting in time faults were recorded by Bethany Moore and Sam Hollington (both Freestyle) and Megan McAuliffe (Butterfly), but the lack of any points in these events was immaterial as Town romped to a huge win.

Final Scores:

1. Romford Town 197
2. Braintree 157
3. Rochford 140
4. Chelmsford 124
5. Southend on Sea dnc

Well done everyone!