Flying start for Dolphin in Summer League

Date: Saturday 28 April 2007 Location: Trowbridge Sports Centre Event: Moonraker Summer League Round 1 – Division 1

Swindon Dolphin A made a successful start to the 2007 Moonraker Summer League with a narrow victory over local rivals Tigersharks A at Trowbridge on Saturday. The victory was not the highlight of the evening though, that being the marvellous donation of £2,200 by Tigersharks to Dolphin’s fund raising efforts for the Teenage Cancer Trust, an initiative spearheaded on behalf of the club by 13 year old Liam Herbert. Dolphin’s fund raising efforts began at the Wiltshire BAGCATS competition in March during which donations alone raised in excess of £500, which added to the Tigersharks donation means that the original target has been comfortably exceeded. With Dolphins’ own challenge day to come on 28th May it is expected that a very sizeable contribution can be made to the Trust.

Back in the pool, the gala saw Dolphin A and Tigersharks A up against hosts Trowbridge, and newly promoted Swindon Dolphin B, who were making their first appearance in the top Division. Dolphin A claimed victory in the two opening Individual Medleys – the first a close run affair between Scottish international Chris Jones for Dolphin A and club head coach Andi Manley for Dolphin B – and stayed in the lead throughout the evening. This was despite a strong finish by Tigersharks which saw them almost overturn a nine point deficit over the last 10 races, and a consistent performance by Trowbridge, who were far from overshadowed, picking up 11 victories of their own and separating Dolphin A and Tigersharks A on nine occasions.

Dolphin A can be pleased with a good opening fixture with strong performances and victories throughout all age groups. Most successful were the Under 14 boys team of Liam Herbert, James Clarke, Tom Iles and Joe Kerslake, who were unbeaten in all individual and team events, and the Under 12s boys and girls who were unbeaten in relays, demonstrating the strength of the clubs’ emerging young swimmers. Dolphin B finished in fourth place and were strongest in the Open age group with their experienced Boys team picking up top two finishes in half of their events.

Result: Dolphin A 152 points, Tigersharks A 150 points, Trowbridge 124 points, Dolphin B 69 points.

Dolphin C started the season in Warminster, finishing in fourth place in a closely fought gala won by local rivals Wroughton. John Drake, Emma Missen and captain Andrew Holborrow were individual winners.