Guildford City competed admirably in the defence of their 2016 title in the National Arena Swimming League Final in Cardiff on Sunday 9 April. Opposition was stiff with the best teams from all over England representing their regions. Millfield, City of Cardiff, Plymouth Leander, Stockport Metro, Wycombe District , City of Oxford, Ipswich, City of Derby and Milton Keynes.

“It’s always an honour representing the South Region as reigning champions. More so this year because the local competition including Oxford , Wycombe, Thanet & Seven Oaks have become so strong” stated Chief Coach Richard Garfield

Amongst the many highlights in the relay events were both the 9-11 girls and boys teams. The boys won their medley race and were touched out by a fingertip to be 2nd in the freestyle. The team was made up from William Smith/ Alex Paton/ Alex Cook/ Kenzie Russell. The girls won their freestyle event and were a close 3rd in the medley. The team was made up from Annabel Mullooly/ Darcy Revitt/ Connie Mortimer/ Charlotte Fakkel with Lara Turan for Annabel in the Medley.

The 13 and under boys swam with heart and soul for 2nd places in both their relays The team – Jordon McPhail/ Callum Wimble/ Ethan Habgood/ Josh Shaw with Dan Donovan for Jordon in the freestyle relay. Creditable 3rd spots went to the 16 and over girls’ team and the 15 and under boy’s team in their medley events. The teams here were Alicia Wilson / Sarah Tripp / Molly Robinson / Georgia Smith and Alex Armstrong / Charlie Trotman/ Luke Pullen / Noa Doest.

In the individual events Guildford once again had success in the 9-11 age bands. Kenzie Russell won the 50 back and was touched out to 100th of a second in the 50 free. Charlotte Fakkel swam exceptionally well in the 50 free and dead heated for 1st place. In the 50 breaststroke races Connie Mortimer was 3rd and Alex Paton was convincingly 1st.

Alicia Wilson swam in a very hotly contested 16 and over 100 backstroke and finished fastest to take 1st place. Tatiana Belonogoff swam away from the field for one of the clearest wins of the day in the 15 and under 100 breaststroke. Charlie Pullan competed strongly in the 16 and over 100 free to take 2nd place and 3rd places went to Luke Pullen in the 15 and under 100 free and Sarah Tripp in the 16 and over 100 breaststroke.

Special congratulations to Kenzie Russell and Tatiana Belonogoff who both won age group awards as most improved boy / girl in their respective age bands.

The end result was a 4th place finish for the team a tantalising 1 point from 3^rd. County Coach Sally Williamson said “This was an excellent outcome for our team today bearing in mind that many of the swimmers were competing a year out of age. We can’t wait to come back next year and compete again. Roll on 2017!”

Final Results