Beacon Swimming Club hosted the annual Andy Holden Memorial Gala at the Freedom Leisure Centre, Crowborough last Saturday,  inviting teams from Eastbourne, 1066 (Hastings), Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Redhill & Reigate.

The home team got off to a good start, with a second place in the mixed breaststroke squadron relay and other good individual performances saw the team narrowly hold first place by one point from 1066 at the halfway stage.

Wins came from Tim Wood in the 16yrs & under 50m backstroke, (31.91secs), Marcus Goldsmith in the boys 10yrs & under individual medley, (1min30.44) and the 50m butterfly , (38.31secs),  Andrew Ducker in the boys 16&under 50m breaststroke, (34.97secs), Harrison Stevens in the boys 12yrs & under individual medley, (1min15.12) and 50m butterfly, (34.34secs), Amy Allen in girls 16yrs & under 50m freestyle, (30.50secs) and last but not least Hannah Shutt in the girls 10yrs & under 50m breaststroke, (47.47secs).

With the points difference still tight between the teams, victory would gained by whoever succeeded in the relay events. Unfortunately, it was not to be Beacon’s day as errors with takeovers in a number of the races cost the team the shield and they had to settle for second place behind 1066.  The shield was presented to the 1066 captains by Mrs Jean Holden.