At 6pm on Saturday, 7^th June, Beacon swimming Club was at full stretch, sending out two teams: one to compete for the Gadstone Voller Trophy at the K2 Centre, Crawley; the other to compete for the Dijon Trophy at Tunbridge Wells (Monson). For both groups it proved to be an evening of excitement, drama and notable success.

 

The Gadston Voller Trophy Gala at Crawley (squadron relay) saw Beacon confronted by stiff competition in the form of:

 

Littlehampton SC,

 

Crawley SC,

 

Brighton SC,

 

Hastings (1066) SC,

 

Erith SC,

 

Hailsham SC.

 

This was superb evening which culminated in a memorable win – some thirty points separated second place Hastings 1066 from first place Beacon.

 

Earlier, Beacon swimmers had been quick to make an impact, with two first places, three second places and three third places achieved by race 10. At the end of race 20 Beacon was already out in front with 59 points, seven points ahead of second placed 1066.  

 

The Mixed 8x25 Breastroke Squadron (Rachel, Freddie, Abi, Will, Amy, Harrison K, Steph and David) was an enthralling contest as the swimmers twice moved up from third to second, only to fall back for a third time before finally taking second on the touch.

 

The Boys 14/u 4 x 25 Fly Relay (Harrison K, Ryan, Thomas, Elliott) was equally exciting with the team making up two-thirds of a length deficit to earn us another valuable second place.

 

All swimmers swam exceptionally well and it was very pleasing to see the three debutants competing so well. Also of note was the high level of encouragement and support, and the wonderful team spirit demonstrated by all the children. 

 

The Squadron:

 

Rhianna, Lily M, Rache, Nina, Seb, Freddie, Marcus, Felix, Torwa, Abi, Katie, Jessica, Harrison Will, Evan, Oliver, Izzy, Amelia, Amy, Rachael, Harrison, Elliott, Ryan, Thomas, Steph, Sasha, Chris, Tim, Ben, Andrew.

 

Thanks go to

 

Coach: Sharon

Timekeeper: Adrian

Team Manager: Lesley and Debbie

Official: Fiona

 

 

 

At Tunbridge Wells, Beacon competed in the Dijon Trophy Gala against the following clubs:

 

RTW MONSON SC,

 

BLACK LION SC,

 

TANDRIDGE AQUARIUS SC

 

SEVENOAKS SC.

This was not a squadron relay gala and swimmers turned in some great PB’s

 

Charlotta Neeley started off with the first win in the girls 13U 50m
freestyle with a personal best time of 32.25. This was the first of
10 personal best’s the team would produce.

 

Adam Fenner had 3 personal bests: 13U 50M freestyle 31.97, 50M breastroke 45.28, 50M butterfly 38.67.

Callum Grey, in the boys 10U 50M butterfly 53.04,

 

Stephanie Parsons, in the girls 12U 50M backstroke 41.91 and the 12U 50M butterfly 41.04,

Jessica Moore, in the 11U 50M freestyle 41.79,

 

Izzy Groenen, in 10U 50M freestyle 49.25,

 

Fraser Keith, in 12U 50M freestyle 36.54.

 

Despite all the good swims Beacon only managed 5^th place.   

 

 

Thanks go to:

 

Coach: Andrew H

Timekeeper: Lesley

Team Manager: Deb D

Official: Jim F

 

Congratulations and well done to all swimmers who took part in both galas.