"And On The Night, It All Came Right!"

(By Alan Hall, Club Sec). Saturday 12th September was a day of three “firsts”. This was the first time to the writer’s knowledge that the B team had travelled to Durrington. Second “first” was that there was not a single ‘phone call announcing the non attendance of a swimmer and the final “first” was the fact that going into the last round, Corsham B was placed 1st in Division 5 of the Moonraker league.

It had been a tough series of galas. Having started somewhat cautiously with a third place in Round 1, the team had then gained a second place to Swindon in the second round and then tied in equal 1st place with Durrington in round three. However, in all of the excitement, Corsham B suddenly found itself leading the league by a slender 8 points. And this was going to be particularly tough to defend, given that both Durrington and Swindon had swum so well in the first two rounds. Only Marlborough looked unlikely to overtake Corsham, but they had improved rapidly in round 3. So off to Durrington then with high expectations, coupled with a reality check that said we had to swim well in order to win the league.

A good lane draw, coupled with the team being first into the warm up, set the tone for the rest of the evening. There was an air of confidence and professionalism about the way the team went about its business and it was rewarded with the lead after 10 races, which it never lost. Although Durrington did challenge throughout the evening, the end result was never really in doubt. So well done to all team members and here’s looking to next Summer in Division 4. Believe me, it will be much tougher!

Team list (race order) Richard Worthy (brilliant breaststroke), Emily Hall (two individual firsts, despite broken toe!), Will Matthews, Siobhan Tinnion, Victoria Lewis (excellent ‘fly) Sam Ross (individual and medley winner), Emma Boyd (6 second PB on backstroke), Richard Meiklereid, Jesse Bacon (sharing breaststroke wins with) Jake Lang, Will Matthews, Nesta Unwin, Ella Golledge, Schula Scotford, Huw Parks (individual and medley winner) Callum Tinnion (reliable as ever), Stephanie McPherson (continuing to improve), Charlotte Parker (swum up to Open age group in 100 fly – brilliant!), Joe Ross (individual winner), Ebony Trudgeon (individual winner and getting taller!), Mike Edmundson (two individual wins whilst playing with the opposition – naughty but brilliant!), Jonathon Brend (individual & medley winner), Bobbi Lang (excellent relays), Hannah Lias, Olivia Hobden, Alex Moore, Bridie Meiklereid (medley winner), Ellen Wilson (hard fought individual and medley winner). Swimmers of the Gala awarded to Hannah Pinsent for strong breaststroke swimming and bringing the team back into contention more than once, and to Freddie & Oliver Sherratt (almost impossible to tell them apart) and who won every race they entered.

Finally, thanks to Durrington, Marlborough & Swindon who made this year’s Division 5 competition so close and exciting. Thanks also to all of the parents who helped out poolside and at front of house. Your support was invaluable. My special thanks are reserved for Michelle & Russell Warren-Fisher, who worked tirelessly to ensure that swimmers were available for galas. It certainly made my job that much easier.

Alan Hall