8 May 2005 - Speedo League
Thurrock Swimming Clubs 'Fearsome five' 9 year old boys spearheaded the club to another excellent result in their second round tie of the Junior Speedo League.
Thurrock were pitched against especially strong opposition in this meet, from the Borough of Enfield, Barnett Copthall, Cheshunt, Phoenix of Basildon and White Dart?s swimming clubs. However, Gareth Hawkins, Charlie Davis, Sonny Ford and Thomas Head took the bull by the horns and destroyed the other teams, winning their 4 X 1 length Medley relay by a margin of 10 seconds. Bradley Clarke joined them for the Freestyle relay where they again romped home 10 seconds ahead of second placed Enfield.
The boys also triumphed in their individual events with victories for Gareth Hawkins in the 25m Backstroke (20.69), Thomas Head in the 25m Freestyle (19.35) and Sonny Ford in the 25m Fly (21.03).
Thurrock were pitched against especially strong opposition in this meet, from the Borough of Enfield, Barnett Copthall, Cheshunt, Phoenix of Basildon and White Dart?s swimming clubs. However, Gareth Hawkins, Charlie Davis, Sonny Ford and Thomas Head took the bull by the horns and destroyed the other teams, winning their 4 X 1 length Medley relay by a margin of 10 seconds. Bradley Clarke joined them for the Freestyle relay where they again romped home 10 seconds ahead of second placed Enfield.
The boys also triumphed in their individual events with victories for Gareth Hawkins in the 25m Backstroke (20.69), Thomas Head in the 25m Freestyle (19.35) and Sonny Ford in the 25m Fly (21.03).
It soon became apparent that this gala was to be a two horse race between Thurrock and Enfield as the exceptionally close results progressed. Thurrock dominated the girls events with Hariette Davis, Zoe Osborn, Katherine Stephens and Amy Beardwell Lacey winning the 10 year girls freestyle relay with Hariette going on to win the 50m Backstroke (40.47) and Freestyle (36.59) while Katherine triumphed in the 9 years 25 m Butterfly (21.84).
The 11 year relay teams went one step better, winning both the medley event where Sarah dibble, Joanna Waterman, Kareina Tubbs and Emily Malster touched a full 6 seconds ahead of second placed Cheshunt and then joined by Abigail Sayer, the freestyle relay in 1.06.40. Emily went on to win the 50m Freestyle (33.63) and Butterfly (37.72) with Joanna taking the 50m Breaststroke (45.03).
The 12 year girls freestyle relay team of Molly Epsly, Emily Malster, Keriann Chipperfield and Megan Langridge also cruised home first (1.01.56) with individual successes for Megan in the 50m Fly (33.97) and Backstroke (36.97) while Kerriann was victorious in the 50m Freestyle (31.81).
9 year old Georgia Mills from Stifford Clays showed that she is one to watch for the future as she finished 2nd in the 25m breaststroke (26.19) joining Catherine Hodge, Katherine Stephens and Amy Gore making her debut in the Thurrock squads to complete their freestyle relay in 1minute 26.03 seconds.
The boys team found the opposition a little tougher though, pitched against some superb swimmers from Barnett and Enfield. Charlie Hayes took two second places in the 11 years 50m Fly (38.25) and Breaststroke (45.22) while Charlie Hard came third in the 10 years 50m Fly (20.66) joining Gareth Hawkins, Alexander Ball and Sonny Ford to finish third in the 10 years Medley (1.25.12). Braden Wren also finished third in the 12 yrs 50m fly (37.06).
Whilst the Thurrock Team put every effort they had into their swims, Enfield just managed to keep a nose ahead. The final 8 X 1 length mixed age Freestyle relay reflected this as the two teams swam neck and neck for the entire race, but Enfield were just able to keep ahead and finished first , under a second ahead of Thurrock.
The final points total was Enfield first (228 points), and Thurrock second (209), 50 points ahead of Barnet Copthall in third place. Team manager Debbie Grix praised all of the Thurrock the swimmers for another superb effort. There is one more round of the Speedo League, however this clashes with the Southern Countries District Championships which will affect all of the teams. The third round should therefore be very interesting.
The 11 year relay teams went one step better, winning both the medley event where Sarah dibble, Joanna Waterman, Kareina Tubbs and Emily Malster touched a full 6 seconds ahead of second placed Cheshunt and then joined by Abigail Sayer, the freestyle relay in 1.06.40. Emily went on to win the 50m Freestyle (33.63) and Butterfly (37.72) with Joanna taking the 50m Breaststroke (45.03).
The 12 year girls freestyle relay team of Molly Epsly, Emily Malster, Keriann Chipperfield and Megan Langridge also cruised home first (1.01.56) with individual successes for Megan in the 50m Fly (33.97) and Backstroke (36.97) while Kerriann was victorious in the 50m Freestyle (31.81).
9 year old Georgia Mills from Stifford Clays showed that she is one to watch for the future as she finished 2nd in the 25m breaststroke (26.19) joining Catherine Hodge, Katherine Stephens and Amy Gore making her debut in the Thurrock squads to complete their freestyle relay in 1minute 26.03 seconds.
The boys team found the opposition a little tougher though, pitched against some superb swimmers from Barnett and Enfield. Charlie Hayes took two second places in the 11 years 50m Fly (38.25) and Breaststroke (45.22) while Charlie Hard came third in the 10 years 50m Fly (20.66) joining Gareth Hawkins, Alexander Ball and Sonny Ford to finish third in the 10 years Medley (1.25.12). Braden Wren also finished third in the 12 yrs 50m fly (37.06).
Whilst the Thurrock Team put every effort they had into their swims, Enfield just managed to keep a nose ahead. The final 8 X 1 length mixed age Freestyle relay reflected this as the two teams swam neck and neck for the entire race, but Enfield were just able to keep ahead and finished first , under a second ahead of Thurrock.
The final points total was Enfield first (228 points), and Thurrock second (209), 50 points ahead of Barnet Copthall in third place. Team manager Debbie Grix praised all of the Thurrock the swimmers for another superb effort. There is one more round of the Speedo League, however this clashes with the Southern Countries District Championships which will affect all of the teams. The third round should therefore be very interesting.