Backwell Swimming Club.

Runners-up spot for Backwell

Wednesday, May 30, 2012
12:19 PM

Backwell swimmers competed in the Cotswold A final and just failed to retain their title.

BACKWELL swimmers competed in the Cotswold A final and just failed to retain their title.

The event has 52 events and was contested by the eight top point scoring teams in the Cotswold series of galas, from the 20 teams that originally entered.

The final was a close match, with the top two teams who qualified for the final being separated by only two points. Backwell fought to secure 27 first or second place finishes in the 52-event final.

This came down to a two-horse race for the trophy in the second half, a straight fight between Backwell and Cheltenham.

The occasion of the final, brought out the best in the Backwell swimmers, with five club records broken on the night by, Charlie Wring (50m backstroke), Rebecca Abbott (50m butterfly), Ross Mould (100m backstroke) and Richard Hill

(100m breaststroke and 100m IM).

This was backed up by personal best times from Emily Piercy, (100m IM), Abi Ball, (50m breaststroke), Louisa Emery (5m backstroke), Zack Taylor (50m backstroke), Ben Larkins (5m freestyle) and Lucas Mesquita (50m freestyle).

However, as the gala continued Backwell’s shortfall in under-15 boys took its toll. Backwell had only two 15-year-old boys and had 11, 12 and 13-year olds racing in the events.

Jack White, James Appleby and Sam Aizlewood all deserve a mention for swimming up.

The final result on the night saw Cheltenham win the Cotswold League and Backwell had to settle for runners-up spot.

Results: Cheltenham 327; Backwell 296; Cirencester 242; Wellington 226; Bishopsworth 221; Cinderford 203; Norton Radstock 197; Cwmbran 152.

Thanks go to all the swimmers, marshals and officials who helped on the night.

Interested in swimming? Come down to Backwell Leisure Centre on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday evening or visit www.backwellswimmingclub.com

The club take children as young as seven in its learn to swim section, who then can progress and swim in the club in a friendly, safe and fun atmosphere.