First victory of 2010 for the RASCALS

Increasing the squad to 26 makes such a difference, we were close two weeks ago but this week we were not to be denied. The relays couldn't have gone much better with 22 personal bests out of 32 swims with Rossington being in the hunt in nearly every race.

Then the individuals kicked off and there were first places from every age group; Josh Sellars, Caitlin, Aaron, Eddie, Chris, Becky, Jacob Greenhalgh, Chelsea, Jason, Ben Carville, Joshua Greenhalgh and Andy - this number of four pointers ensured that we moved into first place. The other swimmers all swam magnificently and personal bests were almost commonplace - 22 personal bests out of 32 races with a massive 1 min and 1 second pb for Eva and a 21 second pb for Ben Warner.

The club welcomed back Chris Newby for a guest appearance and Zara Hand for her first cap.

In the end the result was: Rossington 126, Knottingley 119, Edlington 116 and Pocklington 108 - we have now moved into first place in the league.

Pocklington Times V Edlington, Knottingley, Pocklington @ Knottingley

2010 starts with a very close contest

When you have 22 swimmers it takes a mammoth team effort to compete against full strength squads - well this is what the RASCALS did again today; all the swimmers played their part and as a parent (of three of the swimmers) I bask in the shared glory of our young atheletes.

The relays are always a nervous start but a third place for the 11 year old boys and then a first for the girls settled early jelly-legs, we got to the end of the medley relays in joint first place. Going into the individuals we knew that we would have to work hard to keep up as we had to drop three races - well the boys and girls didn't disappoint, first places from Josh S, Caitlin, Katie, Joshua G, Farrah, Andy (2), Aaron and Chelsea were brilliant (and sometimes close). From the other races there were personal bests and great efforts from swimmers who turned up after the winter flu (Jacob's G and W).

Back to the relays and we were in equal first, this is when a deep squad helps and our valient swimmers were caught up by Edlington and Knottingley even though all our swimmers swam their hearts out - so many close finishes, it is hard to watch sometimes.

Our fantastic swimmers were: Eddie, Joseph, Josh S, Ben C, Lucy, Katie, Caitlin, Leah, Jacob W, Joshua G, Lauren W, Jacob G, Aaron, Shannon, Chelsea, Sasha, Farrah, Andy, Jordan, Laura, Lauren P and Jo.

In the end the result was: Edlington 123, Knottingley 120, Rossington 116 and Bridlington 104 - eight point away from victory but in touch with glory.

Pocklington Times V Edlington, Knottingley, Bridlington @ Edlington

NATIONAL PLAN FOR TEACHING SWIMMING

Rossington Swimming Club are introducing the ASA's national plan for teaching swimming from January 4th 2010.

With its introduction the club will be able to offer a recognised assessment and teaching method alongside a swimmers reward system which introduces badges for each level as well as for distance swims.

Parent packs will be available from the desk and the coaching staff are happy to discuss how this will benefit each swimmer.

For further information, click here for the brief guide produced by the ASA.