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A packed Grove witnessed perhaps the final War Memorial
Gala to be staged at this venue after a run of 60 years. A large COB team took
part in the Gala, swelled by four junior relay teams competing in the 12 and
under category. COB fielded teams in all events. The atmosphere was superb with
all Clubs 100% behind their swimmers. COB's contribution to the volume included
a percussion section with drums, air horns and continuous chanting - "1 2 3
COB!".
A guest team from Royal Navy went head to head with Ulster's top swimmers,
including COB's Conor Shevlin, with Ulster being comfortable winners.
Our three Girls 12u 4x25m f/s relay teams got the gala underway with great swims
by all. This was followed by our sole 12u boys 4x25 relay team finisning
with a super time of 1:08.34, rounding off the junior team's contribution to the
evening.
The memorial ceremony took place between heats and finals, with all swimmers
gathering with their teammates around the pool to observe a minute's silence.
The 14u 4x25m medley relays were represented by two girls' and one boys' team,
with Colleen, Olivia, Larragh and Emma making a final to eventually come third
with a time of 1:04.06.
Events 5 and 6 saw the seniors in action. We fielded two Women's 4x50m f/s relay
teams and a single Men's 6x50m f/s relay team. All three teams made the final
for their respective events.
The Girls A team (Alison, Sasha, Nicola and Donna-Marie) had the best swim of
the evening for COB, with a second place time of 1:51.65. The Girls B team
(Louise, Tamsin, Claire and Corrine) finished with a time of 2:00.68, just the
wrong side of the two minute barrier!
The Men's team (Iain, Darren, Dave, Dominik, Conor and James) ensured
enthusiastic support right to the very last swim, with lots of
"high-fives" from the Junior Girls as the team made their way to the blocks.
Anchorman James swam out of his skin to take us from fourth to a final third
position for this event.
Thanks to Michael and Terry for officiating with special thanks going to Eddie
(who happened to be wearing a white top!) for stepping in at the last minute to
timekeep!
This was a great evening's (highly-competitive!) swimming, the relays bringing
out the best in the swimmers. With obvious team bonding happening across the
Club, we are in great shape for the rest of the season! 1,2,3...COB!!
DMcC, 11th Nov 2007
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