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Final round Division 2 - Junior Speedo Gala (6th June 2004)

The Junior Penguins swam their hearts out this evening trying to close the rank gap between us (4th), local rivals Bishops Stortford (joint 1st) and Erith (joint 1st). Our nine first places and nine second places were promotion performances but unfortunately our two DQS, five sixth places and eleven fifth places were expensive. Food for thought; Bishop Stortford only got 11 first places whilst Erith secured 13.

As usual the day started with swimmer withdrawal (loyal Denva unfortunately ill during Saturday night and Sunday morning) and promising swimmer Thomas Smith who was uncontactable because he was still on  holiday. Nevertheless Hayley Dulieu showed true Penguin mettle by agreeing to swim even when she was in Portsmouth the day before. The same spirit was shown by Jo Cooper who drove all the way back from Cambridge for his two relay races - thanks Jo.

Senner Koskocan, Ellis Foot, Luke Marioni and John Reynolds are a four squad relay team that all Harlow Penguins should be proud of. Throughout the Junior Speedo galas these four boys have never lost a race and have even swam up in age groups winning those relay teams too. Well done boys keep it up - you are being noticed!

10yr old Oliver Taffs, promising Tennis Star (stick to swimming Oliver - prettier girls), got our first win securing 1st place in the 50m freestyle. He was soon followed by the excellent Senner Koskocan who won the 9yrs 25m fly. Alex Francey, Boys Junior Captain, won the 12yrs 50m fly and was no more than one finger tip behind the eventual winner from Erith in the 50m free (lost by 0.1 seconds!!). Luke Marioni convincingly won both the 9yrs 25m free and 9 yrs 25m back (100% wins in every individual race he swam over the three galas - only swimmer, well done Luke).

Luke Lawrence swam fantastically in the 10yrs medley and freestyle races ensuring that his swimming peers of Senner, Oliver and Luke Marioni got first places in both races.  

Whilst the girls did not get an outright win between them they did achieve 5 individual second places (two by young Ria Melvin, two by Annie Groome and one by Jenna Batorski). We almost got first place in the squadron relay - just missing out by 0.2 seconds!!!

Head Coach Alan Mitchell and Team Coach Carol Melvin were extremely proud of their young swimmers. Tonight's performance is an excellent return for all theirs and the swimmers effort. There is still a lot of work to do as we need to be in the 1st Division - this is our aim for next season!!

 Congratulations to all those swimmers not yet mentioned as they all deserve recognition:-

Hailey Dulieu, Natalie Ling, Laura Bruce
Holly Sims, Robyn Thompson
Harry Newman, Ben Want, Alex Piggott
Francesca Tye, Louise Turvell
Calum Tremayne

As usual final special thanks to the following who gave up their time so that this gala could be successfully held. Hayley Want (our lucky timekeeper), Max Francey (splits), Eric (Starter), Carol Melvin (Lane Coach), Alan Mitchell (Head Coach),  Ruby, Cyd, Kaz, Jodie, Mark, Karl and Rhianne (who are all Senior swimmers but gave up their Sunday evening to cheer on and help with relay takeovers)

Click here for final times, splits and positions.