Gripping finish puts Sharks within 18 points of Promotion to Division 1 of Barnsley Minors

Sharks were trailing in third place throughout the Gala but clawed their way up to one point from second with just the cannon to go. Rotherham Metro were clear winners of the gala going in to the cannon but Sheffield City were lying second just one point ahead of Sharks.

Club Stats
swimmers	33
1st	14
2nd	12
3rd	11
DQ	2
PB's	18
Club Records	1

The Cannon is always an exciting race involving 4 boys and 4 girls from each team in an eight leg freestyle relay. Sheffield City had good support throughout the Gala so the Cannon was going to be a noisy affair. For most of us there were only two lanes to watch, Sharks in lane 3 and Sheffield in lane 1. All I could tell you in the end was that we beat them. In had no idea we actually won the cannon overall - not just beating Sheffield into second place.

Oddly, with such a good result Sharks only managed to get 18 personal bests much lower than usual. Must have been something to do with the stifling heat in the pool and the assumption that competitive swimmers are incapable of diving into water 1m deep without breaking their necks. Yes, everyone swimming in relays starting from the shallow end had to start in the water. Frustrating and unnecessary but I suppose some self important little napoleon needs to feel worthwhile by stopping our fun. Somebody please save us from Health & Safety people - the 21st century puritans and the biggest waste of oxygen on the planet.

Rant over, back to the racing.

Our 10 years girls team had the best afternoon winning every event they swam in. Alex Cook won both Backstroke and Butterfly individual events convincingly as did Holly Lewis in the Breaststroke and Freestyle. Lily-ann Webb and little 8 year old Hayley Lewis joined them to win both relays by miles.

Emily Fordham continued her good form, producing personal bests in 3 events out of 7. She worked hard all through the event having to swim in both the 12 and 14 year teams. Definitely one to watch.

Charlie Cocks had a very good meet and his goggles actually stayed on his face for the whole event. Must be some very good glue they found. Whatever it is it's worked and allowed him to show what he is capable of. His efforts were rewarded with a win in the 50m Backstroke and a personal best to boot. It's always good to see hard work rewarded with success. Keep it up Charlie.

Harvey Thornton, another of our 12 year olds swam two personal bests out of 4 races.

Youngster Matthew Hirst had a mixed meet. His lowest point came right at the start with a fall in from the blocks whilst waiting for starters orders in the 25m Freestyle. The blocks have a strong slope and a deep front which is difficult for small hands to grip. The devastation was clear on his face when he wasn't allowed to continue and we all felt for him, knowing as we do the enormous effort he puts in every time he gets in the water. Still, he had clearly managed to pick himself up when he later knocked a huge 7.78 seconds of his PB for 25m butterfly. He later contributed to the fantastic result in the cannon

Sisters and new members Harriet and Molly Simm continued to make their mark with excellent swims in freestyle relay teams in the Open and 11 years groups. They seem to be really enjoying swimming with Sharks and it shows in their willingness to join the team.

The current standings in Division 2 of Barnsley Minors puts Sharks in third place with 412 points behind Borough of Barnsley with 433 and Rotherham Metro with 430. Actually, Barnsley have completed all their galas for this season so they can be discounted. This means we are only 18 points behind Rotherham and the next gala in October will decide things. If we get 18 points more than Rotherham we will be promoted to Division 1. Not bad for such a small club. Mark you diaries now - October 1st, Chapletown. It promises to be an exciting event.