COMPETING at the top of the tree - the Premier Division of the National Speedo League - the Beau Sejour Barracudas Swimming Club made a magnificent effort to place fifth in their gala held at the Quays Pool, Southampton. Having worked their way up each year through the divisions, 2007 was going to prove to be a tough year if they were to remain in the top flight with so many of the club’s seniors now away at university.
With swimmers restricted to two events in their respective age group, there were some exciting results from 13-year-old David Hall, who looked impressive in both his, placing first in the 100m backstroke and the 100m freestyle and recording a lifetime best of 59.85sec. in the latter and breaking the 60-second barrier for the first time.
He also contributed to the winning performance of the 13-and-under boys’ medley relay, which also included Oliver Nightingale, Jamie Salmon and Joe Ogier. Their winning time of 2-09.45 was a massive five seconds ahead of their nearest rivals.
The trio of Hall, Ogier and Salmon were then joined by Luke Belton and went on to take the 4×50m freestyle relay in 1-55.97.
Miles Munro, 11, added yet more wins to his successful year by winning both his events, the 50m butterfly and 50 freestyle, in times of 34.84 and 29.42 respectively.
He also played a major role in the success of the 11-and-under boys’ 4×50 freestyle relay event, joining Toby Belton, Harry Parfit and William Mansel to claim first place in 2-10.30.
Filling the gap left vacant by the absence of many of the club’s senior girls, 14-year-old Victoria Parfit completed a huge programme.
Not only did she compete in the individual and relay events in her age group, she also helped boost the overall points tally in the female open section, placing fifth in both the 200m individual medley and 100m breaststroke.
Her winning performance, however, came in the 100m breaststroke in her age group, which she won in a time of 1-20.45.
‘The atmosphere at a competition of this calibre brings out the best in the swimmers with the adrenalin and excitement reaching fever pitch throughout the match,’ said Barracudas coach Alison Frankland.
‘It is unfortunate, therefore, that due to the huge costs involved in travel and accommodation to attend all three weekends, Channel Island clubs must complete the first two rounds in their home pools on a postal basis.
‘This makes it very difficult for swimmers to produce their best performances and compete equally with their UK counterparts at this high level.’
Article posted on 12th December, 2007 - 12.00am
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