Many sporting events were cancelled ay the weekend but Crusaders braved the snow and ice to travel the short distance to Stoke Mandeville, Aylesbury, to compete in a C grade / novice timed gala.

Crusaders were in fine form  with nine swimmers taking part in their first external gala.  To prove how well the youngsters had improved in training, the squad achieved 24 individual personal bests and an incredible 19 speeding tickets for swimming faster than the permitted maximum. 

The excitement continued beyond the final event when the scores were announced with Crusaders and Aylesbury on equal points, However, a count of the number of first places achieved meant the honours went to Crusaders as they had achieved 11 first places compared to 7 by Aylesbury.

Team Captain Karen Boud said “It was a pleasure to see the young swimmers perform so well and they deserved their win. I would especially like to congratulate  Thomas Pickering, Lauren Avis, Cameron Manley, Heather Dunmall, Connor James,  Rachel Moffatt, Jonathan Green, Bethan Roberts, James Devenish who completed in their first gala swimming for Crusaders and some of them also had to swim over 50m for the first time.  Also congratulations to Ellie Woolhead & Daniel Hill who have competed before but not in 50m events.  It was a great result with loads of PB's which will see many of them jump up the ranking list. A great gala and a great result!”. 

The 24 PB’s were achieved by :

Daniel Hill (3), Vicky Webb, Thomas Pickering, Ellie Woolhead (2), Leonie Moore, Stephen Moffatt, Tim Dryburgh, Lauren Avis, Cameron Manley, Finnley Whitbread, Owen Drabwell, Olivia Jackson, Ashley James, Connor James, Charlotte Nilsen, Rachel Moffatt, Jonathan Green, James Devonish, Alex Winter (1)

1st places went to:

Girls 13/u 4 x 50m F/S Relay - Daisy Jennings, Olivia Jackson, Leonie Moore, Victoria Webb.

Boys 15/u 4 x 50m Med Relay & 4x50m F/S Relay  - Tim Dryburgh, Ashley James, Stephen Moffatt, Alex Winter, Girls 15/u 4 x 50m F/S Relay - Hollie Jennings, Leonie Moore, Daisy Jennings, Olivia Jackson, Girls 15/u 4 x 50m Med relay - Hollie Jennings, Emma James, Leonie Moore, Daisy Jennings, Girls 11/u 50m fly Finnley Whitbread, Girls 13/u 50m Free Olivia Jackson, Girls 15/u 50m Backstroke Hollie Jennings, Girls 15/u 50m Breaststroke Daisy Jennings, Girls 13/u 50m Breaststroke Leonie Moore, Boys 15/u 50m Fly Stephen Moffatt

Final Results:

  1st Crusaders 107 points (11 x 1st places)

  2nd Aylesbury Yellow 107 points (7 x1st places) 

  3rd Henley 102 points

  4th Kidlington 94 points

  5th Aylesbury Blue 75 points

 If you are interested in finding out more information about Crusaders – a Swimming Club that caters for swimmers of all abilities, please contact Bev on 752318 or visit the website www.linsladecrusaders.org

Photos:

1. Some of the swimmers who competed in the Aylesbury Novice Gala.

2. A swimmer who did not make the team!