A gala report from one of our swimmers.
This was the first round of Sports Centre League for 2013 with Portland hosting in the sweltering heat of Bramcote Leisure Centre and getting through the mass crowds at reception was only the beginning. On poolside we had banners flying, swimmers warmed up (completely unnecessarily in the Bramcote hothouse) and plenty of lukewarm water to go round, we were all geared up for the upcoming events.
First up for the 15U girls and boys 100IMs were Jack Harmer and Hannah Simmons, both swimming brilliantly with Jack winning first place in the first race and Hannah achieved a PB. More PBs were accomplished as Ben Hardy and Jade Kennerell swam the 100 backstroke for 13U with a 2 second PB for Ben and 6 second PB for Jade! Then came the dreaded, gruelling, loathed 100 fly- dun dun DUN! Who was to save us from this? Why, Dahlia Brinklow for the girls and from the boys Nick Osman of course! Nick won a valuable first place and Dahlia did brilliantly never having done the event before – both were an example to us all, well-done guys. Other swimmers in this third of the gala who reached the top three places were Luke Farnsworth, Ryan Pigott, Amy Root and Olivia Misiuda and Ryan with his PB in the 50 Fly.
With the first third over and everyone re-energized we continued with excellent swims from Guy Farnsworth and Holly McGarva in the 50 breaststroke both earning PBs and 1st and 2nd place. Success continued in the 15U fly and 13U breaststroke as Jack Harmer again grasped 1st place as well as a PB, Hannah Simmons and Ben Hardy with two more PBs. More 1st places were gained by Alex Hammond, Ryan Pigott, Nick Osman and Jack Harmer again, additional PB’s from Stan Toplass in the 50 freestyle and Dahlia and Ryan in the IM. Fabulous swims also from coaches Jo McGarva in the 100 backstroke and Dom Misiuda in the 100 breaststroke. Luke Farnsworth swam a powerful 100 freestyle winning 2nd place as well as another PB. Once again Ryan was rewarded with a 1st place for his effort in 100 free, along with Amy Root in the 100 breaststroke.
The final five relays had come – four medley relays and the final cannon. First place came from the 11/13 boys Archie, Guy, Ryan and Ben and 15/open boys Jack, Luke, Nick and Alex H. Well done also to the 11/13 girls Olivia, Holly, Jade and Dahlia who finished 2nd. The 15/open girls Emma, Hannah, Lizzie and Jess swam well but unfortunately were disqualified. To round off the night came the cannon which was swum with great effort from the team but sadly another disqualification.
So we waited for the results and it was announced that we achieved 3rd place overall, our best ever finish in Sports Centre League! A position to be proud of with a big well done to the swimmers and a massive thank you to the parents, team managers, coaches and helpers for surviving the heat and supporting the team.
