Bognor Regis swimming club traveled to Bracknell for the first round of the Speedo league on the 13^th of October to compete with Gosport, Wey Valley, Maidenhead and Worthing. Knowing that they had hard competition, nerves were running high. Nevertheless the team took control of the situation and this was soon proven by the excellent start by Sophie Trotter in the Women’s open 200m IM; winning by half a length. The boy’s 13/under medley team was strong with Jack Smith starting on the backstroke giving the team a good lead. Sam Rowe completed the breaststroke leg keeping Bognor in front.

Powerful butterfly swimmer Nicholas Salerno extended Bognor’s lead even further and William Addison sealed the victory on freestyle; an overall time of 2.23.66.Following that example, Katie Addison, Bethan Scrivens, Georgina Highfield and Harriet Lambourne worked hard for a split second win of 2.04.25 in the girl’s 15/under medley relay. George Smith began a winning streak when, at event 12 he won the boys 10-11 50m backstroke. Bognor won 5 more events in a row, highlighting improvements in the upper age groups. In particular Sam Webb, who broke Bognor’s 100m-backstroke record for his age group in a time of 1.07.98 easily claiming a victory and a personal best.

As the results were given out the swimmers became aware that the points were incredibly close. This served as motivation when each and every swimmer was seen giving one another encouragement and praise.

 Dave Loveman showed his continual superiority in the open 100m breast. Sam Webb followed the winning fashion, completing the 100m breast in 1.21.39. Josh Todd swam 1.09.93 in the 100m Butterfly coming 3^rd with a p.b in two other events.

The night ended uneasily as Bognor realised that if they didn’t get disqualified in the last event they would win the gala. The pressure was on for the open freestyle relay team, however determination and effort prevailed sealing a victory for Bognor.

Overall, there were no disqualifications and no 5^th places an example of the great coaching Bognor swimmers receive under coaches Chris Adams and Sue Eason.

Report by Josh Todd – Club Captain