Guildford City’ s junior team of 9 – 12 year old swimmers travelled to Corby on Sunday to compete in the Arena Junior National Inter-League Final. Having won the Southern Final they were ready to take on the might of the North. Opposition came from Boldmere, City of Norwich, Stockport Metro, Southport, Northampton, City of Leeds and Swim Bournemouth.
The Final had all the razzmatazz one could wish for – all the teams paraded round the pool. There was dancing and conga lines, with competitor and swimmers sporting face paints and hats – all before we started!!
The competition was electric with supporters from all 8 teams packed into the balcony making an amazing amount of noise. Guildford started consistently being in the top 3 spots throughout the first batch of relays.
Once the individual events got going they were astounding. Of the 32 individual events … 27 were swum in PB times. Winners were Imogen Bloomfield, Max Windle, Kira Turpin, Eva Munden, Charlie Trotman and Isabella Fakkel – all 50 breaststroke. Jordon McPhail, Isabella Fakkel and Noa Doest – 50 backstroke. Daisy Seymour won her 50 freestyle.
By the time the second wave of relays commenced Guildford knew they had to stay ahead of their nearest rivals Stockport Metro. This they did and the noise from team and supporters was mammoth! Stockport won the last event with Guildford chasing them…. but that was immaterial to the result with a resounding 35 point win for Guildford.
Relay wins came from girls aged 9, both boys and girls aged 10 and girls aged 11 in the medleys. In freestyle the boys aged 12 were winners.
Isabella Fakkel won the award for Top 11 year old girl.
Overall – Sally, Laura, Steve,and Andy were overjoyed with the wonderful team effort. Of the 49 races Guildford had 15 x 1sts, 12 x 2nds and 9 x 3rds. This was outstanding swimming from such a dedicated group of young swimmers.
Thank you to our officials – Jo, Laurie and Alastair. Thank you also to the parents for the NOISE and support!
Finally – Sue Barney was able to come and watch with Araceli in the balcony. A brilliant way for Sue to see all those swimmers who she has nurtured through Academy and a great memory as she prepares to retire.
FINAL RESULT
GUILDFORD CITY 315
STOCKPORT METRO 280
NORTHAMPTON 232
CITY OF NORWICH 213
SOUTHPORT 217
CITY OF LEEDS 193
BOLDMERE 185
SWIM BOURNEMOUTH 131
