On a chilly spring evening the Portland swimming family congregated at Bramcote Pool for the latest round of the Sports Centre League.
In the following 90 minutes parents and supporters alike witnessed the fantastic team spirit that Portland has cultured, alongside significant progression and individual excellence.
In total 20 fantastic PB’s were added to the record books. Well done to the following swimmers:
Angelina D, Stanley (x2), Connor (x2), Dylan, Alice , Michael, Beth T, Tarun (x2), Judd, Angelina G (x2), Dan, Edward (x2), Gaby and Isabelle.
The evening started with good early points being posted with Mikey and Beatrice gaining impressive 2nd places in the 15u 100IM and 13u 100m backstroke.
This was followed in the 6th race by Gaby (12 years old) stepping up to face the challenge of the Open 100m butterfly. She not only held her own finishing 3rd, but also set a fantastic Midland time for her age group!
The first relay race of the night (9u free) was a family affair as the Drury’s took centre stage. Mum at lane end, cheering on brother and sister combo Mai and Efan, along with Judd (who was starting his epic 6 race marathon) and Grace to a good 3rd place.
8 of the next 9 races produced PB’s with the outstanding swim being from Mikey who seemed a little disappointed at finishing 2nd, until he found out that he had dipped below the elusive 1.20 for the 100m breaststroke.
Mikey continued his good form gaining another 2nd place in the 50m Fly and Stanley fought hard to 2 second places in the 50m fly and 100IM.
The 13u IM proved very productive for Portland with Gaby achieving the only solo victory of the night and a PB to boot.
Throughout the middle races Portland swimmers continued to give their all, with strong swims from Bethan, Esther, Briony, Rebecca and Emma, who all gained valuable points.
The evening’s entertainment was drawing to a close, but pulse rates were raised again with exciting and hard fought second place swims for Connor and Angelina G in the 100m breaststroke and 50m fly respectively.
The final acts of night were the relays with all teams showing excellent team spirit and commitment. All teams scored well, especially the combo of Alice, Angelina, Gaby and Beatrice who stormed to victory in the 11/13 age group.
On a final and heart-warming note, we swam a fantastically competitive 20 swimmer cannon. Progress indeed.
It was a great night.
Well done to all the swimmers and thanks to the parents and supporters who brought them.
A special thanks to Matt and all his poolside helpers on the night, who ensured that everything went smoothly.
Log in to the members-only area, click on the Swimmers’ Corner button and go to Gala News for the results.
