Corsham Centre Stage in Costume Drama!

Corsham B Round 1 Winter League. It’s always a relief not to have any late drop outs on gala day, particularly with all of the viruses going the rounds at present. And even the horrendous weather was not a deterrent to those hardy souls who make up Corsham’s B team. Having splashed up the motorway to the Link centre in Swindon, the team was ready to pick up the challenge once again, after a stunning series of performances in the Summer league. Opponents on the evening were the “A” teams from Swindon, Westbury and Wootton Bassett, plus Dolphins C and Trowbridge C. Not an easy task then, but that’s what the swimmers train for.

As has proved to be the case in the past, the team’s Open swimmers were probably the stars of the show. We are so lucky that even though they have moved on to University or are not training so frequently, they still come back to support the team. They are now ably assisted by some of the Club’s masters swimmers, who seem to enjoy every minute of the evening and always turn in good performances. I won’t pick out everybody but I must mention Bridie Meiklereid, Myles Hickman and Stuart Gibbs and, if you will indulge me, my daughter Emily, who rarely gets mentioned because of my position within the Club. On the night, the Open swimmers recorded 3 outright wins, 2 seconds and helped with excellent results in the squadron (mixed age groups) events.

The under 17 boys did exceptionally well, considering there was only one of them! So thanks for coming along and swimming so well Leo Matcham. Just as well that you had some of the under 15s to help, namely (and mainly) Elliott Berning, Alex Johnson and Rhys James. You were brilliant, particularly as you also managed to fit in a couple of wins in your own age group. The under 17 girls were also somewhat light on numbers, but they performed really well, particularly Stephanie McPherson and Charlotte Parker, who also played their part in helping the open swimmers achieve their wins.

I have already mentioned the under 15 boys, well apart from Ollie Warren Fisher who is continuing to improve and played his part in the U17s success. Not to be outdone, the under 15 girls also turned in an outright win of their own, plus played their parts in the squadron events. Well done Ella, Bobbi, Elizabeth and Alex. As for the youngest swimmers, well some of them are still on a learning curve but they did the Club proud. What impressed me was their willingness to listen to comments passed on poolside, put these into action in their next race, with an immediate improvement. No names here, but once again you all played your part in a successful evening. Having said that, I will mention Oscar Warren Fisher who swam up two age groups in one race and Cosmo Adam, swimming for the Club for the first time. Well done to all of our youngest swimmers.

The only slightly sour note on the night was that we were pipped to fourth place (by one measly point!) by Westbury, who we had been neck and neck with all evening. Never mind, it’s the overall league position which counts, which for those who are interested, will be on the Wits ASA swimming website in the coming week or so.

Thanks to the poolside support of Fiona, Jane & Penny, plus our timekeepers Richard & Richard, and our Chief timekeeper Rebecca. You all worked so well as a team on the night. Finally (honest!) thanks to our Birthday mum Michelle, who did the end of lane opposite me and whose husband Russell had treated her to a “no expense spared” evening at the Link Centre. Hope you enjoyed your evening Michelle, which is much more original than a candle lit dinner (smirk). (Sorry Russ!)

Alan Hall 21 Nov 2009

PS The “costume drama” reference relates to the fact that swimmers are now only allowed to wear one costume when competing in galas. There were disqualifications on the night because of this, when a couple of other Club’s boy swimmers were found to be wearing trunks under their longer racing leggings. It didn’t happen to us, but be warned. If your costume is getting slightly see through, buy another one.