12 May 2019

Enniskillen Lakelanders hosted Alliance for the last round of Aquasprint League of the season on Saturday 27^thApril. The Lakelanders headed into this round knowing they were missing many of their regulars who were attending the Ulster Championships in Bangor, and also that Alliance were unbeaten in the league so far.  With lots of beginners taking part in their first individual swims of the year there were plenty of nerves, but the Lakelanders were still in fine form and right from the outset it promised to be a fun-filled evening of racing.

The competition got off to a flying start with the medley relays and a first relay win from Enniskillen’s Group B team of Ellie Dunlop, Holly James, Michael McGowan and Adam Forster. Group D of Abigail Boyd, Molly Rice, Hayden James and Nial Bruce also won their race leaving the points even heading into the individual races.

First individual event was the backstroke and from the outset it was clear why Alliance had the favourites tag with just two wins from Ellie Dunlop and Hayden James, with a second spot for Shay McCarney, thirds from Adam Foster, Niamh Aherne, Harry Welsh, Zara Welsh and Nial Bruce. This left Alliance taking an early lead of 14 points as they headed into the breaststroke event.

The Lakelanders fared much better in this event with wins for Ellie Dunlop and Shay McCarney who had his first win of Aquasprint league. In second spots were Emma Speer, Harry Welsh, Michael McGowan, Kate McDade and Nial Bruce. There was also great swims by Niamh Aherne, Ava Neal, Ryan Mongan, Holly James, Sarah Speer, Niamh O’Donnell, Paddy Huang, Cora McConnell and Hayden James. The Lakelanders pulled back the lead slightly as they headed into the butterfly races.

The butterfly stroke is one of the most difficult swimming strokes and with having to field many less experienced beginners the Lakelanders knew this would be a difficult event. But the children put this to the back of their minds and gave it their all with three wins from Ellie Dunlop, Mannix Moore and Nial Bruce. Abigail Boyd and Hayden James secured the second spot and Niamh Aherne, Ryan Mongan, Holly James, Niamh O’Donnell ran in close thirds. There were also great swims from Harry Welsh, Josh Cassidy, Kate McDade and Adam Forster.

The final individual event was the freestyle. Again the young Lakelanders side hoped they would hold the gap that Alliance had opened and they did with fantastic swims from both clubs. Ellie Dunlop again hit the first spot along with Shay McCarney who had a great night with three pb’s, Hayden James also finished first. There were also fine swims for Niamh Aherne, Josh Cassidy, Holly James, Paddy Huang, Kate McDade, Eloise Boyd, Darren Woods and Alishia Farry. Lots of young beginners swam in individual races for the first time including Erin Farry, Cara Trainor, Ryan Aiken, Rory Aiken and Cameroon Bell and they all swam well and did themselves proud.

The Lakelanders headed into final round of freestyle relays twenty points adrift. Once again they fought hard with wins from group B and D. Unfortunately, this was not enough with Alliance declared the winners.

On the night the Lakelanders had to face the opposition with a depleted team which was disappointing but whilst the more experienced and older members were battling it out at the Ulster Championship the young team gave it their all and made their parents and the committee extremely proud.

There were lots of pb’s to celebrate, most notably Harry Welsh, Michael McGowan, Paddy Huang and Shay Mc Carney who had three pb’s each showing their hard work in training paying off. A special word of thanks goes to Paddy Huang who also swam up an age group on the night - with only one group C boy available this was greatly appreciated. There were lots of great swims as well from Leon Moore, Madeline Curran, Sally Huang, Ryan McGowan, Rory Aiken, Ryan Aiken, Hannah Beacom, Dara Toner, Darcy Balfour, Eloise Boyd, Hannah Woods, Saoirse McGovern and Mei Se, so well done everyone.

Top scorer on the night was again Ellie Dunlop with a clean slate, she won her four individual races and was also part of her two winning relay teams. Hayden James was the boy’s top scorer with two firsts, a second and a third and he was part of the two winning relay teams.

The committee acknowledges the time and commitment from parents without whom the event would not be possible. They also recognised the help and commitment from the older children of the club who came along on the night and helped alongside parents. Peter McGowan did a brilliant job as runner along with Cora Cassidy, Emilie Reihill, Ciosa McConnell and Luke Aiken who all worked hard as lane organisers, with the young children loving to see the older children who they aspire too. Maebh Dolan our new level one coach was very proud of all the young swimmers and how they had performed on the night.

Next Up – Enniskillen Lakelanders Junior Gala 26^th May Lakeland Forum hoping to see all young Lakelanders there.

 

 

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