FOLLOWING their third place in the opening round of the 2011 National Swimming League, sponsored by Arena, Gainsborough Dolphins repeated this result from their travels in the second round at Market Deeping. Facing very strong competition from Deepings, South Lincs, Market Harborough and Corby a near full strength Dolphins outfit gave their all as they contributed to a very competitive and thrilling encounter. Leading the way for Dolphins was the experienced Mens quartet of James Smith, David Trickett, Will Cawte and veteran Mark Smith as they combined to win both their freestyle and medley relays with individual success for David in the 100m breaststroke and James in the 100m freestyle. Both these swimmers finished second in the 100m individual medley and 100m butterfly respectively whilst Will also claimed runner up spot in the 100m backstroke. The swim of the night came from the girls 13/u freestyle relay team as Heather Cooke, Zara Thomas and Charlotte Smith all swimming outstanding legs setting up Georgia McKay on the anchor leg to produce a magnificent final 25m to claim victory. Henry Cawte also produced an unbelievable last length to take the touch by three hundredths of a second to record a personal best in winning the boys 13/u 100m breaststroke whilst team mate Aarron Smith coasted to victory in the boys 13/u 100m butterfly. Henry also recorded a second place in the boys 13/u 100m backstroke and third in the boys 15/u 100m breaststroke with Aarron recording two third places in the boys 13/u 100m freestyle and 15/u 100m butterfly. Henry and Aarron were joined by William Walmsley and Aidan Clover to claim third in the boys 13/u medley relay with Ewan McKay replacing William for the same result in the freestyle relay. 11 year old Ewan had a mixed night as he recorded two unfortunate disqualifications for false starts but won the boys 10-11 years 50m butterfly with only three tenths of a second separating the first three in the 50m freestyle as he finished second. In the same age group Ben Ambrose came second in the 50m breaststroke with William Walmsley third in the 50m butterfly. The 10-11 year old girls also had a good night as Lydia Waring (50m backstroke), Hollie Watkins (50m breaststroke) and Aysha Simpson (50m butterfly) all finished third as did their relay quartet of Lydia, Hollie, Molly Creed and Katie Bindon in both the freestyle and medley events. Both Emily Wright and Megan Stevenson produced good swims to finish second in the Ladies 100m breaststroke and 100m backstroke respectively. In the 15/u age group Henry and Aarron teamed up with Jack Boulton and Kieran Ferry for third place in the medley relay with the girls four of Lauren Zaitschenko, Tonicha Watson, Harriett Baird and Shaunie Johnson recording the same result. In her individual events Harriett finished third in both the 100m backstroke and freestyle. The Club wish to express their thanks to all the swimmers for their efforts with outstanding contributions coming from Robyn Dand, Ben Crookes, Eddie Cooke and Sophie Blades. Many thanks to all the parents who travelled to support and the volunteers and coaches on pool side. Final result: 1st South Lincs 192 points; 2nd Deepings 176; 3rd Gainsborough Dolphins 144; 4th Market Harborough 124; 5th Corby 102.
