On 20^th January the ‘B’ team kicked off 2007 with an excellent performance in the first round of the Worcester Winter League at Droitwich Leisure Centre (that place is starting to feel like my second home).

Our competition on the night came in the shape of three A teams, Wyre Forest, Bromsgrove and Pershore, as well as Perry Beeches/SSS B, who we met in the Speedo League in 2006.  A small-ish team for this gala as we only require three boys and girls from each age group.

This is a difficult report to write as so many swimmers did well in this gala, and even though they might not have won their events, really did themselves proud.  Due to some unavailable for the ‘A’, there were some last minute adjustments to the team, leaving the ‘B’ a bit short on the night, particularly in the 15s girls.  However, the 13s girls rose to the challenge, swimming up in individuals and helping Hannah Mocklow to some good relay finishes. 

Ste Nock swam an excellent 100m free, to finish second in the 15s age group, followed in the very next event by Fran Pinchin who won the 13s and under 100m back.  Special mention here to Tom Asprey who came third in the boys event, despite still being eleven years old. Jess Hickman came second in the girls 11 and under 50m free, and she was closely followed by a second place for the 15 and under mixed medley relay team.  The swimmers in this team were Hannah Mocklow, Rich Spoor, Becky Spoor, Alex Thom, Becky Irwin and Ste Nock, great swim guys and thanks to the two Beckys for swimming up here!  Becky Spoor got straight out of this one and into the next for the 13s and under 100m fly which she won in fine style a clear three seconds ahead of the rest of the field.  Again a third place to Tom Asprey in the boys version of this event despite still being eleven.

The older swimmers now and two second-places for the open 100m backstrokers, Charlotte Simkins and James Nock.  Time for Becky Spoor to make an appearance again, this time in the 15s and under 100m fly, where she swam a PB time and came second! Well done Becky.  Not to be outdone Alex Thom took to the blocks for the boys event, also claiming second place.  The Open swimmers had their medley relay coming up, always exciting relays these as they only have to swim 25m each.  Proving SSC’s strength in depth in the older age groups the open swimmers won this race by a clear two seconds.  The swimmers in this team were Charlotte Simkins, Scot Taylor, Sam Pinchin, James Nock, Hannah Mocklow and Matt Hooper.  Next up was Katie Jones in the 11s and under 50m fly.  Despite still being nine years old, Katie proved her ability on this stroke with a good second placed finish, only narrowly touched out by the Wyre Forest swimmer.

Roughly the half way stage now and the points were as follows: Bromsgrove 107 points, Wyre Forest 104 points, Stourbridge 96 points, Perry Beeches/SSS 71 and Pershore 47 points.  It was looking tight at the top, could we claw it back?

Time for a Spoor to make an appearance again, this time Rich was on the blocks in the 15 and under 100m breaststroke, first place for him, well done Rich.  The 13s and under medley team had their turn now and they managed a second place against some tough opposition, the swimmers being Fran Pinchin, Tom Green, Ellie Lord, Tom Asprey, Becky Irwin and Matt Jones.  Great swims, well done.  A win came from Matt Hooper in the open men’s 100m free, closely followed by a victory for Hannah Mocklow in the 15s and under 100m back.  Hot on her heels was Pete Rought in the boys version who gained a second place with a cracking time, well done Pete.  Next up was Becky Irwin in her second 100m free of the evening, this time it was the 13s and under, and, swimming quicker than in her previous race with a PB time, Becky managed a sound second place, great stuff.

Nearly the end of the night now, and boy what a late one this was!! Only the freestyle relays to go, despite some swimmers swimming in two consecutive relays, the 13s and 15s freestyle relay teams both came second, and the open free relay team finished things off in style, winning their event by two seconds.

The final points scores were:

Bromsgrove                198     

Wyre Forest              190

Stourbridge              172

Perry Beeches/SSS 134

Pershore                      85

This was a sound third place from the team and I was very pleased with all the performances.  A bit disappointed that there were some DQs for our more senior swimmers, but hopefully we can sort these niggles out for next time.  Next round is on 17^th February, venue to be announced!

The team were;

BOYS: Jake Knight, Ryan Spoor, Callum Faulkner, Luke Shaw, Matt Jones, Tom Asprey, Tom Green, Alex Thom, Rich Spoor, Ste Nock, Pete Rought, Matt Hooper, Scot Taylor and James Nock.

GIRLS: Katie Jones, Jess Hickman, Alice Maycock, Becky Spoor, Becky Irwin, Fran Pinchin, Ellie Lord, Hannah Mocklow, Sam Pinchin and Charlotte Simkins.

Thanks to everyone for swimming and to the helpers on the night, Sian Hickman, Pete Woodhams, Brigitte Lord and Maria Shaw.