Their team consisted of only six older swimmers with the remaining nineteen, many of whom were attending their first competitive fixture, belonging to the eleven and under age groups. They subsequently had a baptism of fire as they valiantly covered the team’s shortfall by often racing against much older and more experienced swimmers.
Monnow suffered an early blow when after only one race (where she was placed third), Laura Willis was taken ill and after receiving medical attention was deemed unable to continue, her presence was sorely missed and it is hoped that she recovers soon.
The nine and under age group did a sterling job. The boy’s relay teams which included Alex Collins, Caleb Chick, Isaac Evans and Thomas Smith were placed second in both the medley and freestyle races, Raphael Cackett also managing third place in the individual freestyle race.
The girl’s relay team including Alice Clinch, Bea Jones and Carys Williams were not to be outdone and were placed third in both the medley and freestyle races. Abi Agami and Daisy Phillips also helped to complete the eleven and under relay teams whilst Gwennan Maconnell-Lawlor achieved second place in the individual backstroke.
The eleven and under boy’s relay team which included Ben Willis, Elliott Lynch-Warden and William Greenhill were placed third in the medley and Tom Finighan also came third in the individual butterfly race. Ethan Chick made good his promise to do well in his breast stroke race by winning it and also achieved third place in the freestyle.
The eleven and under girls stepped up to the mark and competed both in the individual and relay events, they included Rhian Baylis and Emelia Tinch. A special mention needs to go to Amelia Phillips who bravely stepped in to Laura’s shoes and not only gained a third place in the freestyle race in her own age group but also third place backstroke in the thirteen and under category.
Sam Finighan was the only male Monnow swimmer in the thirteen and under age group, he was placed third in the butterfly and won the breastroke event. Alex, Isaac and William were undaunted by the age difference and joined Sam to complete a medley relay team in the thirteen and under age group.
The fourteen and over or open age group swimmers which consisted of Joe Smith, Alice Smith, Katie Cameron and Louise Sadler had their work cut out. Joe came second in the butterfly, Louise third in the butterfly and Katie came third in the back stroke event.
The coaches continued to adapt and revise the team list during the evening in order to ensure that not only as many races as possible were covered but also to ensure that competitors were getting adequate rest times between efforts. Unfortunately, due to the work load that was shouldered by a very young and relatively inexperienced team, any hope of challenging the other clubs had to be abandoned when not only most of the thirteen and under relay races but also most of the open ones had to be scratched.
Head coach, Jane Sambrook said that she was impressed by the cheerful enthusiasm and determination by all of the swimmers in their willingness to battle against the odds.
“With such competitive spirit shown by everyone, the future of the club looks bright and quite few promising talents are emerging and gradually showing their potential.
“Many thanks are given to the coaches, Jackie Cameron, Jaqueline McConnell-Lawlor and Paula Willis, the time keepers Maria Smith and Lisa Finighan and also stroke judge Andy Smith. Last but not least thank you to the parents who give their children so much support”