Swimmers secure their first win of the season

While Banbridge swimmers have competed in Section One to the highest of standards a first victory still eluded the Teletots Squad coming into the last home gala of the season.

In front of a full house of spectators and officials the gala commenced with Lois Lyttle, Caitlin Kearney, Daniel Kilpatrick and Thomas Hall being narrowly beaten, for Group A, in the opening Medley Team Relay.

Group B, represented by Olivia Knox, Bethany Wilson-Parry, Alex Donnelly and Eunan Quinn, gave the home crowd something the cheer about with an outstanding win, quickly followed by a second win for Jodi Doyle, Elli Robinson, Caolan Quinn and Ross Johnston in Group C.

Team Captains Esme Hall and Poppy Robinson were ably assisted by Group C swimmers, Michael Rafferty and Adam Bell, but despite a valiant effort were not able to secure a win. Going into the individual events it was all square, with the tension mounting.

In 25m Backstroke Lois Lyttle was third and Caitlin Kearney fourth for Group A and Daniel Kilpatrick second and James Whan third for the boys.

In Group B Olivia Knox had an outstanding time to take a comfortable first place with Emma McElderry in third and Alex Donnelly and Ryan Porter had no problem in securing the top spots of first and second for Group B boys.

Jodi Doyle had strong competition from the outset and on this occasion had to settle for second place with Elli Robinson in third. Ross Johnston was second and Caolan Quinn third for Group C Boys. At the end of the first individual event Poppy Robinson and Esme Hall secured first and second place with Adam Bell in third and Michael Rafferty fourth for Group D boys.

The gala progressed quickly to 25m Breaststroke and Group A girls were back in the water with Lois Lyttle third and Caitlin Kearney fourth followed by Daniel Kilpatrick second and Thomas Hall third for the boys. Olivia Knox had a race on her hands but held on to secure another first place for Group B with Anna Proctor taking third place points for Banbridge.

Group B boys dominated the breaststroke event with Eunan Quinn having a fantastic swim in first place with Ryan Porter second and Alex Donnelly third. Jodi Doyle, despite outstanding competition, held on to take first place with Elli Robinson fourth and David Houston had a brilliant first place swim with Caolan Quinn second for Group C.

Esme Hall had the fastest breaststroke swim of the night to take first place for Group D with Jane Kilpatrick securing vital points in third and Christopher Burns completed the event with a first place win for Group D boys.

At the end of the second individual event Banbridge had stolen a 10 point lead over Briefne and excitement mounted as the swimmers anticipated that a victory was within reach.

The 25m Butterfly started with Group A girls being overpowered by the visitors although Lois Lyttle was home in fourth place with Thomas Hall second and Daniel Kilpatrick third for the boys. Olivia Knox remained on track with a lovely Butterfly swim and first place for Group B girls, with Bethany Wilson-Parry in third and Alex Donnelly second and Matthew Brown third for the boys.

In Group C Jodi Doyle was home in second place and Elli Robinson in third with Caolan Quinn and Ross Johnston securing first and second places and maximum points for the home side.

In Group D Esme Hall secured another fastest time of the night with a strong swim and first place with Poppy Robinson third and Group C’s Michael Rafferty, swimming up an age group, created the upset of the night for the competition by clinching a win for D boys with Christopher Burns in fourth.

The 25m freestyle commenced with Caitlin Kearney in third place for Group A girls and Daniel Kilpatrick second despite a valiant race to the finish, with Patrick Doyle in third and Conor Woods fourth for Group A boys.

In Group B there was never any doubt that Olivia Knox would complete her clean sweep with a fourth individual win of the night followed by Bethany Wilson-Parry in third and Emma McElderry in fourth. Alex Donnelly was back in first place for Group B boys with Max Lyttle having a brilliant swim to take third place.

Jodi Doyle refused to be beaten and secured a win by the narrowest of margins with Caolan Quinn also finishing the individual events on a high note with first place and Ross Johnston in third.

Group D finished, with a race that was almost too close to call, with Esme Hall securing another fastest swim of the night, Poppy Robinson in third and Emer Doyle fourth, while Adam Bell was third for Group D boys.

With anticipation reaching fever pitch, and the cheers of supporters threatening to lift the roof of Banbridge Leisure Centre, Group A started the Freestyle Team Relays with a fantastic win for Lois Lyttle, Caitlin Kearney, Connor Woods and Daniel Kilpatrick. Group B were never in any doubt and Olivia Knox, Bethany Wilson- Parry, Alex Donnelly and James Neill secured a second win for the home side.

Jodi Doyle, Elli Robinson, Alex Donnelly and Ross Johnston were never going to settle for second place and clinched another win for Banbridge, and even though team captains Poppy Robinson and Esme Hall could not make it a clean sweep for Group D with Michael Rafferty and Adam Bell, there was still a sense of confidence that enough had already been done to secure a win.

The gala was concluded with Club Chairman Trevor Wylie congratulating all swimmers on what was undoubtedly the most exciting event of the season to date. Club coaches, officials, caterers, time keepers, parents and swimmers were all thanked for their commitment throughout the season and Banbridge were announced winners by 210 points to 190 for Briefne.

The Teletots squad will next be in action Friday June 4 when they will swim off at a neutral venue in a bid to secure another year in Division One in 2011. For further information on Banbridge Swimming Club visit their website on www.banbridgeasc.co.uk.