WORCESTER WINTER LEAGUE ROUND 1 19/01/2008 HALESOWEN

Before we start this year let's finish last year and what a year. Well done to all the swimmers who swam in all the Gala's there were some fabulous results in both League and Friendly events.

Winners of the Worcester Winter League, 7th in the Speedo League for the A team and I think it was 6th for the B team in their League. This is the beat result for the Club that I can remember and is certainly the best since I have been the Team Manager.

Not to mention all the other Friendly Gala's we enter many of which we are lucky enough to win some awesome Trophies. My favourite I have to say is the Stratford Sharks Girls Gala which we actually managed to win all five Marvellous Trophies and Shields, not to mention all the little prizes for the swimmers. Well done to them for holding such a great Gala

Now down to business.

We never seem to swim anywhere else in the first round but Halesowen and they would be our Hosts and this would mean no easy passage to the final this year as we were also drawn against Halesowen A and B not to mention Bromsgrove and Broadway.

Things got off to a good start as I actually managed to draw lane 4 which is much better than my normal 1 or 6 a shame though as only five teams appeared.

I have to say here that although we asked all our competive swimmers to make themselves available and to avoid the Brierley Hill Open as usual many were there all day. I really have no idea why we go in such numbers to this event as it always clashes with round 1 and Brierley Hill do not attend our Crystal Open meeting as a club. Many of the swimmers made it never the less and swam very well however some were not and this could prove costly.

We really will have to get out the gate quicker in the next round Halesowen won 7 of the first 10 events and really put us under pressure with a 11 point lead, my voice had gone and Stew was a little concerned not to mention we were missed as usual when the drinks were brought round I really don't know why this happens and I try to be as friendly as possible but I have to say it really is quite funny. Anyway the only first place here went to The Machine (sorry Becky Cole) not only a first place but a first place by 10 seconds Awesome!!!!!!

Never mind you know me I can catch up later. Next 10 much the same Halesowen on a mission and really were on fire with another half dozen wins and now leading by 17 points. Good job our secret weapons were out in this section Ellie Lord and Jack Henderson pulling one the only doubles of the night in 100m Breastsroke.Well done to you both.

Now to the next ten events which were a great improvement.5 wins and 5 second places. Individual wins for Jake Knight, Rich Spoor, Anna Hodt and Harry Lord. Not to mention a fantastic win the 13u Medley team.2nd places for Lisa Henderson, Nat Dingley, Emma Pay and Ryan Spoor along with the Open Medley team. We grabbed a few points back here down to a gap of 14.

Ten to go now 14 points would be tough to pull back but not impossible. Another 5 wins and 5 2nds I'm afraid would not be enough with only one slip up from our rivals it was not to be.

Anyway individual winners were Becky Cole and Sam Rowbotham with another double 100m back. Jack Henderson and Charlotte Rowbotham and that 13u team with another fine win.2nd places were for Phil Harrington and it looked like he got the touch to me however Bromsgrove got the call with the exact same time. Sophie Page with her second swim and another 2nd place well done to you to. The rest were all relays.

I have to say there were a couple of decisions that did not go our way and to be fair a couple that did. To be in with a chance of retaining this title we will have to be at our very best as we are currently in 3rd place.

Round 2.16th February 2008 Droitwich.

Be ready for this one it’s an early start 2.30pm I think but it may be 2.00pm I will let you know when I contact each of you. We really will have to win this Gala to have any chance of the crown. So every single point we can grab is a bonus.

Now I nearly forgot Swimmer and Team of the night.

Ellie lord gets swimmer of the night for a superb 100m BREASTSROKE nearly as quick as one of her peers Charlotte.

Team honours go to the 13u who had numerous individual wins but also the only age group to win both relays so well done to Becky Cole,Ellie Lord, Sophie Page, Jack Henderson, Tom Asprey and Sam Tromans.

That's it for now please make yourselves available for the next round it is extremely important.

Jason