Intermediate League (Division 1): Seals were undefeated in the Intermediate league. The highlight was a double header victory of Royton and Howe Bridge in September.
Results:
Junior Jubilee League: Seals had two first place and one second place finish in the league galas to qualify for the Top Final at Oldham on 12th October. In a thrilling gala, with the lead changing hands on several occasions, Seals finished in as runners up.
Result:
Junior League (Division 2): Seals were undefeated in their 7 galas, sealing the title with a hard fought victory at Eccles in early September.
With one gala to be completed (27th October) Seals were leading the 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s age group subsidiary points.
This year we competed in the M&D Association Team Competition Division One. Seals qualified in 6th place for the final held in September at Fit City Irlam. The team put in a creditable performance to finish 5th overall.
This year Seals swimmers competed in the Warburton’s gala at Bury. The swimmers notched up 68 medals - 25 Gold, 25 Silver and 18 Bronze, a fantastic effort.
Seals gold medallists were:
Dylan Arzoni (4), Fleur Mitchell (1), Olivia Askew (6), Kyle Clegg (1), Rhiannon Prestage (1), Hannah Clegg (3), Harry Entwistle (6), Vicky Burgess (1) & Blake Wilson (2).
There were also some excellent personal best times, especially by boys and girls competing in the youngest (9/10s) age group. Many congratulations to all the swimmers.
The highlight of the event was the Bob Foden Memorial Race, a 14 swimmer cannon relay to wrap up the gala. Oldham was victorious with an excellent time of 5:31.71. It is the first time Seals have won this race since 1989 when our Head Coach, John Wroe was part of the squad.
Our swimmers in 2009 were:
Olivia Green & Dylan Arzoni (9s), Amy Cunningham & Daniel Fearnley (10s), Sara Loft & Michael Entwistle (11s), Olivia Askew & Kyle Clegg (12s), Rhiannon Prestage & Harry Entwistle (14s), Hannah Clegg & Ash Ratchford (16s), Vicky Burgess & Blake Wilson (Open age).
Seeing the swimmers parade around the pool with the trophy was a fantastic sight!
Stuart and I would like to thank all the parents for their support this year; especially for answering e-mails sent at odd hours and for ferrying the swimmers to all parts! We would also like to thank everyone who has helped out at the galas – you have all contributed to making this a successful season!
Many thanks to our coaches Lynda, Phil, Norman, Tiffany and Ash for all their efforts getting the right kids to the right end in the right order for the right event! Phew!
Finally, we would like to thank Head Coach, John Wroe for all his efforts and wish him the very best for the future in his new post coaching in Kenya.
Mark Wareing & Stuart Askew [Team Managers]