RTSC Gala Reports

5th January 2008 - Essex League Division 1 - Runnymede

Romford secure second victory of the season in comfortable fashion

Saturday saw the second of four rounds, making up the Essex Winter League and Romford secured its second victory of the season in comfortable fashion. In the 11 years boy’s age group, the freestyle relay of James Kidd, William Harding, George Ellis and Oliver Applebee came 2nd, though went one better in the medley relay as they won this event. There was an individual win for George Ellis in the 50 metres backstroke, as William Harding took 2nd spot in the 50 metres freestyle.

For the 11 years girls, Rosie Webber, Brock Whiston, Sophie Thompson and Ellie Perriera came 2nd in the medley relay.

Competing in the 13 years and under age group there was a clean sweep of wins in both the medley and freestyle relays as Sean Houllihan, Tom Johnson, Alfie Burr and Joseph Stamp took the honours. Sean also gained a 1st place in the 100 metres breastroke, whilst Alfie Burr gained 2nd in the 100 metres Butterfly.

The girls 13 years age group team of Bethany Hall, Jodie Momodu, Kariena Tubbs and Hannah Coles did well to win the medley relay whilst also gaining 2nd in the freestyle relay. There were individual wins too for Jodie Momodu, 100 Breastroke and Bethany Hall, 100 Backstroke. Beth also gained a 2nd spot in the 100 metres Butterfly.

Nicole Raymond was joined by Jessica Coles, Kelsey Richards and Stevie Coker as the quartet won the 15 years and under 4x50 metre freestyle relay they also won the medley relay too. Jessica Coles enjoyed victory in the 100 metres breastroke as did Nicole Raymond in the 100 metres freestyle.

For the 15-year-old boys, there were individual wins for Chris Stamp, 100 Butterfly, Lewis Kidd, 100 metres Backstroke, Jake Harrison 100 metres breastroke and Tom Toolis 100 metres freestyle. Not surprisingly the quartet made it a clean sweep of victories in the age group as they won the freestyle and medley relays.

In the open ladies category, Natalie Ward won the 100 metres Butterfly, Georgia Hunton Clark 100 metres backstroke, Kira Fawke 100 metres freestyle. Jessica Coles swimming up an age group gained 2nd in the 100 breastroke. Kira, Georgia and Natalie were joined by Nicole Raymond as they won the ladies freestyle relay.

The open boys were equally impressive as Thomas Ingram won the 100 Butterfly, Sam Ward took the honours in the 100 Backstroke, Grant Chandler won the 100 Breastroke whilst Billy Tubbs took 2nd in the 100 freestyle. They joined forces to win the freestyle relay.

The last event of the gala, the squadron relay, saw an exciting end to the evenings competition, as Runnymede leading from the start, got their advantage gradually overhauled for Romford to win this relay too, down the last length. The team consisted of, Brock Whiston, George Ellis, Kariena Tubbs, Tom Johnson, Kelsey Richards, Chris Stamp, Natalie Ward and Sam Ward.

1. Romford Town 195
2. Runnymede 170
3. Chelmsford 152
4. Phoenix of Basildon 111
5. Rochford 98

Well done to all those that competed, so soon after the Christmas and New Year break.