RTSC Gala Reports

26th April 2009 - Junior Swimming League - Braintree Pool

The weekend saw the first of the three regional rounds in this year’s Junior Swimming League competition.

With 49 events consisting of four age groups: 9 years, 10 years, 11 years and 12 years this national league event proves an exciting competition each year and for the nine years olds, it’s a chance to impress as they embark on their swimming career and set about gaining valuable points for the club.

Fast improving Hannah Binning had a busy afternoon of swimming as she gained 2nd place in the 25 metres Freestyle, but took top spot as she gained 1st place in the nine years 25 metres Breaststroke.

Team mate Chloe Thompson gained another 1st place finish as she won the nine years 25 metres Backstroke, whilst Victoria Bishop was 3rd in the 25 metres Butterfly. Daisy Nolan-Day joined the trio of girls as the nine-year-old quartet gained 2nd place finishes in both their Freestyle and Medley relays.

The nine-year-old boys were also out to impress with Sam Ellis and Mitchell Wilson competing in two individual races each. Sam Ellis was 2nd in the 25 metres Breaststroke and came 3rd in the 25 metres Backstroke. Mitchell Wilson was 2nd in the 25 metres Freestyle and 3rd in the 25 metres Butterfly. Sam and Mitchell were joined by Harry Taylor and Sam Fitzroy who helped them take 3rd place finishes in their Freestyle and Medley relays.

At the top end of the age group categories it was a chance for the 12 year olds to shine and lead by example in their final year of competing in this competition.

The girl’s Medley relay got the club off to a great start as Victoria Christmas, Amy Gore, Brock Whiston and Emma Aston grabbed maximum points in winning the first race of the evening.

Competing in the individual races, Victoria Christmas gained 1st place in the 50 metres Backstroke, whilst Amy Gore made it a double of victories as she clinched both the 50 metres Freestyle and Breaststroke. Brock Whiston took 2nd spot in the 50 metres Butterfly. Rosie Webber joined the trio of girls as they came 3rd in the Freestyle relay.

The 12 year old boys had a good start to the gala too as James Kidd, Oliver Applebee, Charlie Davis and Sam Bishop followed the girl’s success in the first event of the evening by coming 2nd in their Medley relay. James Kidd followed this up with two solid 2nd place finishes in the 50 metres Butterfly and Backstroke as the quartet gained a 3rd place finish in the Freestyle relay.

For the 10-year-old boys Kieran Gore had a busy schedule of events to contend with as he gained 3rd place in the 50 metres Butterfly, was 2nd in the 50 metres Freestyle and had to be content with 2nd in the older 11 years age group 50 metres Breaststroke.

Zac Coleman gained 3rd place in the 10 years 50 metres Backstroke and was joined by Aiden Jackson, Kieran and Oliver Coles as they came 3rd in the 10 years Medley relay and 2nd in the Freestyle event.

Sophie Ward was another busy 10 year old as she took on a number of events. Having to settle for 2nd place in the 50 metres Butterfly, she went one better as she took the honours in winning the 10 years 50 metres Freestyle. Maddie Webber, Arabella Woolf and Hannah Binning joined Sophie as they gained 3rd place in the 10 years Medley relay.

There were some impressive results for the 11-year age group too. Bethany Moore achieved a double of victories as she gained top spot in both the 50 metres Backstroke and Freestyle events, whilst Megan McAuliffe took 1st place in the 50 metres Breaststroke and was 3rd in the 50 metres Butterfly. Sophie Ward and Jodi Whitehead joined Bethany and Megan as they gained 2nd place in their Freestyle relay, although a faulty takeover denied them 1st place in what was a strong Medley team.

In the boys 11 years age group Samuel Hollington grabbed 1st place in his favourite 50 metres Backstroke, whilst Toby Mascall did likewise as he took the honours in winning the 50 metres Butterfly. The pair were joined by Jonathan Toolis and Sam Coker as they came 2nd in the Medley relay.

Throughout the gala Romford and Colchester were battling it out for 1st place and none more so than in the final event of the evening, the squadron relay.Hannah Binning, Sam Ellis, Sophie Ward, Kieran Gore, Bethany Moore, Sam Hollington, Emma Aston and James Kidd were just narrowly beaten into 2nd place by Colchester.

After a very close first regional round, Romford had to settle for 2nd place on the night, but will confidently go into the 2nd round in two week’s time.

Final Scores:

1. Colchester 230
2. Romford Town 219
3. Runnymede 160
4. Anaconda 147
5. Halstead 135
6. Barnet Copthall 131

Well done to all those that competed.