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 London National Speedo League -  Round 1 (9th October 2004)

A packed gallery were screaming encouragement to Mark St Clare who dived in the last leg of the Mens 6x 50m freestyle relay slightly behind the swimmer from Camden Swiss Cottage. Everyone knew at that time that Camden and Harlow Penguins had joint number of points and whoever won between the two competitors in that last race would come second overall in the nights gala. The last 10m saw the race of the night when Mark edged back to be on par with the Camden swimmer and at the end showed true spirit touching in before the Camden swimmer in the very next lane.

This was the best gala I have ever been to. Harlow Penguin swimmers won 12 races outright, coming second in eight. Also very pleasing was we had no disqualifications! Head Coach Alan Mitchell was extremely complimentary of all our swimmers. Everyone one of them swam their hearts out from Ria Melvin and Robyn Thompson who knew they only had one relay leg each to Jodie Want who agreed to swim in the ladies 100m back knowing she would most probably come last but guaranteed Harlow Penguins one point which also happens to be the margin by which we beat Camden Swiss Cottage (a massive London swimming club who we had no right to beat!!!!)

Mark was not the only hero of the night. All of our swimmers contributed to our total of 205 points which I have never known us to achieve. The top team of the night were West Suffolk who had 20 firsts and 12 seconds. Third place were Camden with 12 firsts and 13 seconds (and four dqs!!), fourth were local rivals Canvey Island and Cheshunt who both got 141 and finally Enfield in last position with 103 points.

Individual times, splits and positions can be found here. When Lesley is up and running with the PB database she will update them accordingly.

Finally special thanks to the following people who helped run the gala which we hosted. Alan Mitchell (Head Coach), Ken and Carol (Coaches), Dean (splits), Hayley (excitable timekeeper), Rhona (drinks), Eric (Referee), Paul (announcer), Carmen and Max (recorders), Debbie and Janis (took money at the door) and Mary (raffle) - a total of 13 people. 

I cant wait until Round 2 when we are up against the toughest opposition we have ever swam against!!!!