The second round of the National Arena Swimming League Western Division 1, saw Dolphin ‘A’ team travel to Millfield School in Street, Somerset to face another 5 teams from across the south west & south wales, ably assisted by swimmers from Masters Legend Squad, Jonboy Audis, Nigel Masters, Lauren Matthews & Liam Jefferies.
As in the 1st round the competition was extremely tight throughout with only 15 points separating 3nd to 5th position, making every position & point count.
In response, the whole team responded with an impressive effort, nicking vital positions and points as the gala progressed. Together with some exceptional & significant personal best performances from the Masters Swimmers.
Jonboy Audis, 37, recorded his fastest time in the 200 IM for 7 years, posting a tidy 2.11 for the 8 length event and getting Dolphin off to a good start. This was subsequently followed up some exceptional personal best swims from fellow legend squad swimmer Liam Jefferies, 20, posting a 26.4 50 fly in the Men’s Medley relay, then breaking the 60 sec mark for the 100 fly for the first time with a 59.3. Unstoppable, Liam, then went on to a great 53 second 100 free and 24.0 to anchor home the Men’s 6×50 free relay.
Strong performances from both Lauren Matthews & Nigel Masters, 46, and all the age group swimmers helped Dolphin to achieve the points they desperately needed finishing in a brilliant 3rd position behind league high flyers Millfield & Exeter City.
The final points were 1) Millfield 268 2) Exeter 207 3) Swindon 152 4) Soundwell 146 5) Bridgend 137 6) Torfaen 115.
Meanwhile, the ‘B Team where at Hutton Moor in the Division 2 gala, where Italian Swim Star Manuel Conte, 27, preformed brilliantly in his Arena League debut for Dolphins. After a solid 200 IM performance, Manuel clocked the ‘B’ teams’ only individual win, in the Men’s open 100 Free with a best time of 57.0, following a another near best performance in the 100 fly of 1.03. Fellow Masters Legend Squad swimmers Doug Alexander & David Leonard, also reinforced the open Men’s team at the event.
The league now concludes with the final rounds on Saturday December 10th, with Dolphin A at the Link centre & Dolphin ‘B’ Team at Hutton Moor in Weston Super Mare
It would be great to have as many supporters as possible to support & lift the team at both events in what should be a very exciting climax to the 2017 Arena League.
