Droitwich Dolphins Newsletter: Winter 2007             Number 6

(downloadable from www.droitwichdolphins.co.uk – please check web site for regular updates)

Results from the Speedo League

The Speedo Squad have swum magnificently in the first 2 rounds of the Speedo League which have both been held at Coventry in the 50 metre pool. Round 1 was a closely contested Gala with Droitwich securing 4^th place with a respectable 164 points which placed the Dolphins mid-table in division 2.  However, the Squad raised their performance for Round 2 to secure 2^nd place behind City of Coventry ‘B’ but ahead of local rivals Bromsgrove. This success has now pushed the Dolphins into 6^th place in the League of 24 teams, and in the third round we will be competing against the five teams who are above us!

 Well done to all the swimmers and thanks to all parents who have supported the team at these events. The Advertiser and Bromsgrove Standard both featured articles on the Club’s success.

The Bromsgrove Standard trophy Gala

On 3^rd November Bromsgrove hosted this Gala between local Clubs Droitwich, Northgates and Wyre Forest. Many less experienced Dolphin swimmers were given the opportunity to swim and accredited themselves extremely well. Dolphins took third place overall, but this was only 10 points behind the winners, Bromsgrove.

Redditch Invitational Gala – girls only

Dolphin girls were in tremendous form as they secured first place at this invitation gals on 6^th October beating off competition from Redditch, Evesham Boldmere and Orion

OTHER NEWS

Congratulations to the following swimmers  who have been promoted from Dolphins to Sharks: Quentin Hill, Robin Cusack, Francesca Morgan, Matthew Redfern , Jack Weir, Ann Dowty, Jack Whitefoot,  Megan Whinfield and Ellie Muckle.

Sean Storey has been appointed as Senior Boys Club Captain as Johnathan Hunter has now gone off to University. Sean is also the swimmers representative on the Committee and will be supporting swimmers with any issues they may have.

Amy Piper the senior Ladies Club Captain has recently completed her coaching qualifications and will be taking over the training of the silver squad as well as continuing to compete for the Club.

Her Captains report is as follows:

First off, a big well done to everyone who swam in recent competitions such as the Girls Gala, the County Sprints and most recently the Speedo League at Coventry. Everyone has swum well of late, with lots of P.B’s being done. The hard work in training is paying off, so keep it up.

To make sure we keep performing well in competitions we need to make sure we make the most of our training sessions. Many of the swimmers arrive on poolside just before the session begins. To get the most out of our training, we should all arrive at least 10-15 minutes early on poolside (where sessions allow) for warming up and stretching before swimming.

We had some tough competition at the Speedo League, and for a lot of swimmers it was their first time in a 50m pool. Despite this, everyone gave it their all to gain a 4^th (?) place for the team. Our team was the loudest on poolside and it was certainly encouraging and motivating for the swimmers! Well done!

Finally, good luck to everyone swimming in future competitions, such as the Worcester Open. Keep up the hard work in training to make sure we get the best results that we possibly can! Good Luck!

Amy Piper

Senior Club Captain

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY - EVENTS

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SWIMMING

Other news in brief:

Open Meets

The Club continues to encourage swimmers to attend Open Meets with Katharine Buck co-ordinating the main open events. Any swimmer or parent who would like more information on the forthcoming Crystal Open Meet or Brierley Hill please speak to Katharine. We intend to feature an in depth article on Open Meets in the next Newsletter.

Worcester County Championships 2008 – club entries have to be submitted by 4^th January. Please ensure all times from Open Meets have been submitted to Mandy Gerwitz for consideration.

A.S.A. Annual Subscriptions for all swimmers are due in January. Please assist the Membership Secretary and Treasurer by paying promptly when requested.

Squad pricing is currently under review and maybe amended in January.

Finally, the Committee and Coaching Staff would like to take this opportunity to wish all the swimmers and their families a Very Happy Christmas and New Year.

Information Officer: Lesley Rimington. Please contact me if you have any comment, idea or news item you would like included in a future newsletter.

e-mail: rimington@tinyworld.co.uk