Lincs League Round 2, Lincoln - 14th May 2005

Results :-

The second round of the Lincs League would determine which six of the twelve competing teams would make the 2005 League Final leaving the remaining six teams to contest a gala for 7th to 12th places. A rejuvenated South Lincs team were keen to avoid their "bottom of the table" position of 2004 and with a 4th place already in the bag from the first round there was even a slight chance that we could squeeze into the final.

So it was back to the Yarborough pool in Lincoln yet again. The team started in a determined mood with everybody working hard and fighting for points. There were plenty of 3rd and 4th placings with the odd 2nd which considering the quality of the opposition was perhaps to be expected. The impressive thing was that the swimmers were really working as a team, supporting each other and swimming especially hard in the relays for their teammates.

It was exactly half way through the gala (Event 24) that the first win was secured and this came in a relay event. The girls 12/u freestyle team of Sammie Earth, Bethany Goodman, Chloe Walsham and Alice Horton chalking up victory. Seven events later and it was the 12/u age group that delivered more success, Tom lane winning the boys 50 Metre fly event by around 5 seconds. In the very next event, Alice Horton provided a replica swim in the girls fly winning by an equally impressive margin. "Well done all of you"

South Lincs were looking comfortable in 3rd place overall and with spirits high we battled on through the final quarter of the gala. With 3 events to go the girls 14/u freestyle relay team had their chance to shine. As the race unfolded Lincoln Vulcans took on the lead with Louth and South Lincs battling for 2nd place.

Jade Marsters, Lauren Walsham and Ellie Feuerhelm worked hard to hold on to the Lincoln team but as the final swimmers went in it looked as if 2nd place was all we could hope for. Laura Biggadike had other ideas. Not only did she overhaul the Vulcans swimmer but also held off a very strong challenge from Louth. What a great swim and excellent team effort.

Subject to official confirmation, I believe we have secured a place in the final, this would be a superb result considering our position last year. Once again we have demonstrated how important team spirit is. Thanks to my fellow poolside staff, to our officials and parents for supporting our efforts to challenge the top cubs in the County.