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WATFORD SWIMMING CLUB NEWSLETTER JAN 2005
by
Su Tysoe
I have heard this question round the
poolside a lot recently so I thought I would try to explain. My apologies now if
I get anything wrong, but hopefully I may clear up a few points for everyone,
especially first time competitors and their parents.
BAG Cats stands for British
Age Group Categories. The events are held over most March weekends and there are
loads of them! Swimmers enter events of their choosing, subject to entry times.
There are 4 categories for 9 and 10 year olds and 5 for older entrants. These
are Sprints (50m in each stroke), 100m (11+, in each stroke), Form (200m in fly,
back and breast), Distance (200m and 400m free) and finally IM (100m and 200m)
there is a special 400m IM but this event will not included in the points.
What points? I hear you cry…The times from each event are converted into points
(much like a decathlon in athletics). The highest points earned from each
category are added together to give a total, this then determines the swimmers
overall position within the county in each age year. Points are only awarded
when the qualifying time is achieved or bettered. Bands of ages swim together
but are listed separately.
Only one event from each category need be entered to get a ‘ranking’. Obviously
the more events entered, the more options for getting a good times and therefore
points, but only the best points from each category count. There is also an
option to enter events without competing in BAG Cats using a different entry
form.
I hope this helps if you have any questions please ask...someone, anyone. No
question is a silly question if you don’t know the answer. For an info/entry
pack see Janet Lewis, who will also help with times etc. Good luck!
Race Night: Sat 22nd Jan at 7:30 at Rickmansworth Golf Club (directions and map are on the board). Bring your friends or sell a race of 8 horses, see Janet Lewis. Free entry.
Shirley Petchey,
Club President 2005 writes…
After 2004
finished so well we are hopeful of another successful year in 2005 but in order
to do this we have to have help from parents. This help is particularly needed
when we host a gala or at club champs. There are a variety of jobs some do not
require any special training or knowledge. I will be writing to everyone shortly
asking which roles they are happy to help with. You will always be shown how to
do a job and not only is it fun it also helps the evening run smoothly. As a
club we need more teachers and coaches please ask if interested. Good Luck to
everyone for a happy and successful 2005.
WSC Dinner and Dance 2004
by Terry and Christine Sullivan
This was the first WSC Dinner Dance we
had attended. Even though we didn’t know anyone very well, we found everyone so
welcoming and made many new friends during the evening. It was refreshing to
have such a spread in ages, from late teens to the Grandmas and Grandpas – this
mix of people worked extremely well and helped create a great atmosphere. Mike,
as President, did himself proud with a very entertaining speech that wasn’t at
all long-winded. We will certainly be going again next year!
‘A’ Team
report by John Williams:
As a division 1 event all the race were at least 50m. Despite being in
Biggleswade (Beds) we had good support and hosted the gala. Everyone tried their
best and swam well. It was a close race between the teams for 2nd-5th
place. We finished 5th overall. Well done everyone.
‘B’ Team report by Chris Andrews: Division 2. We had some excellent
swims, specially Amy Callanan (U16 100 Back), Chris Longman (U16 100 Breast),
Adam Raw (U16 100m Fly & Back) and Hannah Lewis who swam in the U16 and also in
Open relays. It was a close gala, we finished 4th which was a very
creditable performance for our ‘B’ team swimming for the first time in division
2.
Water Polo by Steve Chambers
Winter
League 2004-05 Season
The seniors
have yet to kicked off their campaign in Division One the first league game of
the season will be on the 20th January away to Hornchurch. However
the senior’s have made progress in both cup competitions they have entered. The
have progressed through to the Semi-Final of the Senior Knockout Cup defeating
Hatfield in the Quarter Final’s 5-4 away. The semi-final tie will be played as a
double header against Hornchurch when the league game takes place in late
January.
The senior side has also progressed into the Semi-Final of the Invitation KO
Cup. Tie to be played on the 9th Feb at Home against Eastern Otter
having defeated Hatfield again in the Quarter final at home 12-2.
The Junior team have yet to play a game in this season’s Winter League. The
first tournament scheduled in November was cancelled due to a problem with the
pool. Next tournament is now on the 23rd January at Whitgift School
Croydon.
Under 16’s Team
Watford’s
Under-16’s kicked off their Under 16 Winter League Championship challenge on
Sunday 5th December with a convincing round of results. Watford beat
Bedford Modern School 6-3 in the opening fixture with Watford’s captain Matt
Toothill claiming a brace further strikes from Greg Souter, Rob Souter, Nick
Forbes & Arran Bowen La Grange made up the other scorers.
In Watford’s next match Brentwood were put to the sword with an easy 12-0 win,
hat-tricks from Souter & Schey were complimented with a brace a piece from
Toothill & Matt Dixie. Forbes & Bowen La Grange also found the score sheet.
In Watford’s last game of the afternoon they beat Chelmsford 9-2, Captain
Toothill claimed four to take his tally for the afternoon to Eight, Souter &
Bowen La Grange again both weighted in with a brace each, Dixie also scored to
round off a great afternoon for the home club.
Next tournament is on Sunday 30th
January at Bedford Modern School.
Under 12’s Team
Watford have decided to enter an
under 12’s team and will compete against Croydon Amphibians & Sutton & Cheam.
The first tournament will be held in March. The Club is looking for new recruits
to compete at this level, so if anybody is interested in trying Water Polo,
please come to Sunday training from 4.30pm or speak to John Martin-Dye or Chris
Collins.
Design a Logo Competition.
On 1st Oct Herts. ASA becomes part of the new East Region. A new
badge or logo is needed. Entries must be in by 31st Jan to ASA East
Region, PO Box 331, Ipswich IP2 9WB. Winning entry received £100. See board for
full details and conditions.