Seconds out round 2.It just had to happen some time and it did.The A team in the same draw as the B team.This was going to be interesting and very competitive.

 

As soon as the draw was made there was some friendly banter around the training sessions.The open lads was going to be close as all of them could swim in the A team.

I decided with Stewart to stay to our original three after some great swims from all six of them in round one.

 

I have to say the parents seemed to be more worried about the teams swimming against each other.

 

Becky and I thought it would be a good idea if we all stayed together on the side of the pool.

 

Here’s the team for night anyway.

11 yrs.Lauren,Emily,Ellee,Beth,Sam,Joe and Tom.P.

13 yrs Becky C,Grace,Sarah,Jon,Ant and Jack.

15 yrs Ellis,Zoe,Becky E,Graham,Sam and Adam.

Open.Charlotte,Laura,Nick,Phil,Ant and Harry.

 

The team was slightly different to our normal line up as Lauren was unable to swim due to her final training preparation for some European  event and was only told she was not allowed to swim on the Friday before the Gala. Sophie Lord was unable to come back from University and Anna was unable to get away from a Lifeguard course in time. Now with the kind of class missing from the club you would think we had a problem but no. Laura Blunt Made the trip from Swansea and Charlotte Rowbotham could easily swim up and age group which enabled me to use some of 15s in the relays.

 

Everything started rather well with an excellent lane draw with A and B next to each other in lane 3 and 4.Our main rivals of course Worcester in lane 2.

 

This was a great draw as it enabled Stew, Mark and I to stand in the middle of the lanes 3 and 4 and encourage both teams I must thank Stuart Birnie for his assistance on poolside again. I asked him as he arrived.

 

I think this week it is unfair for me to mention individuals as it was a great night and everyone who swam gave it their all and the camaraderie between the teams was excellent.

 

The Open Lads did not fail to deliver either with honours even in the Relays Which  were simply outstanding from both teams.They are great pals and rivals and a great example to their junior team mates.

 

Take a look at the team sheet for the finishing places and let me tell you first the points after event 10, 20,30 then look at the bottom for the final points.

 

Event 10

Stourbridge A 53

Worcester      50

Redditch 39

Stourbridge B 31

Droitwich 29

Bromsgrove 26

 

 

Close at the top Stourbridge B going for it too.

 

 

Event 20

Stourbridge A 92

Worcester      86

Redditch         66

Bromsgrove    64

Stourbridge B 55

Droitwich      53

 

 

Still close at the top B team drop a place but Remember they are swimming against A teams and several of them are swimming up age groups.Some swimming up an incredible  2 age groups.

 

 

Event 30

Stourbridge A 141

Worcester      134

Bromsgrove    94

Redditch        92

Stourbridge B 89

Droitwich      76

 

Check out the B team again they were not there to make up the numbers.

 

 

 

Results

Stourbridge A 190

Worcester      169

Bromsgrove    139

Redditch        131

Stourbridge B 108

Droitwich        98

 

The A team managed to pull away in the final section to win the Gala comfortably.

 

Swimmer of the night this week again goes to Sam Tromans for a fine Double victory.

Team of the night goes to the Open Lads from the A and the B team for their great battles in the pool.

 

That’s it thanks to all the helpers again on the team that’s Steve,Jeff,Sue and of course Stew Birnie.

 

As it was our Gala there were a number of others poolside.So thanks to them too for a great night.

 

 

Roll on the Final.

 

Jason

 

 

Worcester Winter League Rnd2 17th Feb 2007