THE REDDITCH Swimming Club A team secured an impressive victory in the first round of the Worcester Winter League, which was their opening gala of 2015.
RSC have so many talented swimmers that they are able to field two teams in this competition. Round one galas were held at the Abbey Stadium for the A team and the Dolphin Centre in Bromsgrove for the B team.
Redditch A faced some teams that have proved difficult to beat in the past, but they powered to a convincing round one victory, winning by 37 points.
The final result was Redditch A 212, Halesowen 175, Pershore 166, Oldbury 140 and Perry Beeches 95 points.
The swimmers race in four age groups – 11/under, 13/under, 15/under and open – and there were 16 individual RSC wins and five relay victories in the 40-race gala.
RSC winners were: 11/u – Luke Warren 50m fly, 50m breaststroke; Millie Checkley 50m breaststroke.
13/u – Rosie Potter 100m backstroke, 100m freestyle; Faith Mowat 100m fly.
15/u – Will Moss 100m freestyle, 100m backstroke; Ben Lewis 100m fly, 100m breaststroke; Megan Moss 100m breaststroke.
Open – Paul Wilkes 100m fly, 100m breaststroke; Scott Allin 100m backstroke; Carmen Elliott 100m freestyle; Laura Cranshaw 100m breaststroke.
Relays were raced over 6×1 length for girls and boys and RSC wins came in the 11/u medley, 15/u medley and freestyle and the Open medley and freestyle relays.
RSC B found it a little harder as they faced Stourbridge A, one of the strongest teams in Worcestershire.
They did, however, battle to a creditable third spot, despite having several swimmers absent and including a few who were competing at this level for the first time.
The final result was Stourbridge A 219, Orion 180, Redditch B 151, Stourbridge B 147, Evesham 102 points.
RSC winners were: 11/u – Poppy Oliver 50m freestyle.
13/u – Amelia Rodd 100m freestyle.
Open – Oliver Thompson 100m backstroke.
RSC head coach Chris Britt was pleased with both teams’ performances and commented: “With so many good swimmers at our club, it can be difficult to keep everyone motivated through regular involvement in competitions.
“However, having two teams in this league gives me the opportunity to let around 50 swimmers represent the club at every gala.
“Not normally picking out individuals I must, on this occasion, mention Megan Moss, who swam despite a knee injury. The pain prevented her from doing a racing dive at the start of the 100m breaststroke and forced her to start in the water.
“Despite this disadvantage, however, she overhauled her opponents to win the race.”
Come along and see what goes on by contacting Chris on 01527 853257 or via e-mail at [email protected]. You can also visit the club’s brand new website at www.redditchswim.org.uk.
