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Oaks make solid start to the National Arena League - 10-10-2009Oaks make solid start to the National Arena League
Sevenoaks Swimming Club had two teams competing in the first round of this year’s National Arena Swimming League at the weekend. Both A and B teams found the competition at this level tough although Sevenoaks’ strength was evident as they were able to field two teams in the England East league competition. The A team were competing in Dover in the opening Division One fixture and the team’s results were secured by two first place swims in the opening individual medleys from Xander Alari-Williams and Natasha Hickey both of whom also won the 100m breaststroke and 100m freestyle respectively. The Senior Boys team also included James Manning, Jacob Stapleton and James MacAuliffe who ensured Sevenoaks’ dominance in this age group. The boys’ team was supported with further excellent individual and team swims from Joe Choong and Leandre Stevens. There were also vital points won by Angus Wyatt, Nathan Marsh, Fred Biggs and Hamish Wyatt for the boys while for the girls, Maddy Smith, Cecelia Fenner, Zoe Harding all put in determined swims, along with the Junior Girls Team of Ellen Benn, Susannah Kitto, Emily Monkhouse and Charlotte Coxon. The B team were competing in Tunbridge Wells in the opening round of the Division Two competition. Again, the competition was tightly fought with a number of very close finishes deciding the overall result and several swimmers doubling up in the number of events they swam. Individually, Ford Curran and Max Wallis has excellent swims in the freestyle and butterfly, while in the junior age group, Ben Earle put in an outstanding swim. For the girls, Gabby Norris swam an impressive personal best time, and the 11 and under girls (Olivia Wyatt, Rebecca Harris, Phoebe Osler and Katerina Chrysostinou) and 13 and under (Lucy Pigott, Emily Lobley, Ellen Williamsen and Chloe Rouse) also put in excellent team performances as the team chased third place. Sevenoaks’ B team coach, Vince Norris, was delighted with performances: ‘The swimmers worked hard and drove each other on – it was a real team effort from start to finish.’ This sentiment was echoed in the A team where coach Julian Metcalf commended swimmers’ focus. ‘We worked hard to secure vital points in the close races. More importantly, we know where we need to build to ensure we are seeded for the top fixture in the final round. This means the second round in November will be vital to us and this will be out focus over the next few weeks.’ Overall results: Division One: Dover 222 points, Elmbridge Phoenix 199 points, Sevenoaks A 190 points, Atlantic 185, Erith 124, Dartford 123. Division Two: Bromley 231, RTW Monson 214.5, Black Lion 169, Sevenoaks B 160, Sutton Atlantis 81.5. Further details are available on www.sevenoakssc.org more news articles... |  NoticeboardSunday, 5th Feb Training: The Sennocke Centre is open so all training is on, although there is no dry land session for Silver There will be no swimming at Combe Bank on Monday 13th Feb due to half term.  |
