Venue: Hucknall Leisure Centre
Date – Saturday 26th May 2012
If the ‘big guns’ thought they would gain a psychological advantage with all that arm swinging and thigh slapping then it was time to think again. Un-phased the hats went on and, in their usual style; Portland swimmers gave it their very best. This was night of many very close touches, some going for us, some against and some really hard-fought points.
Special mentions:
- Jacob Goodliffe, swimming his first gala for Portland.
- Stan Toplass and Dan Hardy, the 9/10 boys team!
- Tim Simmons for his ‘post-retirement’ appearance and some fine swims.
- Rebecca Horne who, after a very (!) last minute goggle adjustment, still lost them but swam to a fantastic 3rd place in the 50m backstroke.
- Bethan Simmons for an amazing final 10 metres to clinch 2nd place in the 50m breaststroke.
- Olivia Wright who just keeps on going from strength to strength in competition.
- Esther Simmons for battling brilliantly in her leg of the 50m freestyle relay.
- Matt Price for another awesome 50m freestyle 1st place.
PBs for Andrew de Boer (200 IM), Stan Toplass (50m free, 50m back), Gen Poon (50m free), Esther Simmons (50m breaststroke), Matt Price (50m back), Olivia Wright (50m fly), Maddie MacKay (50m free), Jaime Misiuda (50m fly), Michael O’Shaugnessy (50m free), Hannah MacKay (50m free).
Well done, as ever, to ALL the swimmers. Another overall 4th place with much to be proud of – keep it up!
Thanks as usual to the poolside helpers on the night and to the pre-gala organisation team.
