Sussex League Triumph for 1066 Swimmers

 

Over two consecutive weekends in June and July 1066 Swimmers battled against many of the top clubs in Sussex in the infamous Sussex League.

The 1st gala of the two, which in fact was the 2nd round of the league, saw 1066 travel to Brighton where they competed against the home side and Mid Sussex Marlins 'B'. In a keenly contested gala, Brighton led from the start but 1066 were always hot on their heels finishing a commendable 2nd place with a total of 340 points and securing an important 2 league points.

The following weekend saw 1066 hosting the last gala of the league season. The local side knew they needed to secure a win over Bognor and Hailsham in order to gain promotion from Division 2 into Division 1. 1066 set out with that win in mind and every swimmer gave of their best, from our top national and regional champions through to the younger swimmers just beginning their competitive career.

1066 led from the start and everything finally rested on the squadron relay which brought the gala to an end with a nail biting finish in the squadron relay; this involves 8 swimmers in total, 4 females and 4 males and one of each age group in ascending order. The squadron is always the height of the gala as it is the last race in which everyone is pushing for the finish. 1066 began the race slightly behind the other teams. Swimmers on the poolside and parents in the balcony cheering and supporting regardless, until the last 4 swimmers, the gap was closed presenting a brilliant opportunity which 1066 swimmers seized finishing the race in first place.

The local club knew that the resounding victory with a total of 388 points meant they had secured their place in Division 1 for the 2011 season.

1066 celebrated with their customary 'Oggy' led by the club captains Emma Cannon and Lewis Peppiatt supported by vice-captain Josh Bishop.