Redditch Swimming Club recently achieved their highest ever position in the premier league in the swimming calendar, the National Arena Swimming League.

The competition runs with two rounds of galas competing with clubs in the West Midlands, and the top 6 clubs go through to a West Midlands final.

In round one, Redditch were handed a very tough draw against 5 good clubs, including elite performance clubs Leicester Sharks and City of Coventry, however enjoyed the advantage of a home draw at the Abbey Stadium. Redditch were under no illusion, they needed to fight for every place and gain every point they could! With 7 1st places and 10 2nd place finishes, including individual wins for Paul Wilkes, Orla Power, Max Davidson and Harry Chandler, Redditch managed to pip City of Coventry by one point and finish in a fantastic 2nd place on the night.

The excellent performance in round 1 ensured RSC a more favourable round 2 draw, again at home at the Abbey Stadium. Again being able to field a very strong team, they managed a runaway victory. In this round out of 42 races a staggering 17 1st places, backed up by 12 2nd places, ensured RSC sailed through to the West Midlands final. There were individual wins for Aled Lee, Ashleigh Green (2), Millie Checkley, Paul Wilkes, Orla Power, Harry Chandler (2), Riley Perry, Abi Salcombe (2) and Aimee Hood. 

Redditch travelled to Rugby for the West Midlands Final. Now it was time to face the best clubs in the West Midlands, with the top 2 clubs progressing to the national finals, held in Cardiff. Again, RSC gave absolutely everything in every race, but like in any sport, the higher level you get to, the harder victories are to come by. RSC managed one win on the night, with Aled Lee coming first in the 100m Breaststroke, but this was backed up by strong performances throughout the team. Final results were 1st Leicester Sharks 188 points, 2nd Leamington Spa 182 points, 3rd Boldmere 142 points, 4th REDDITCH 134 points, 5th City of Derby 117 points and 6th Worcester 115 points.

Head Coach Jon Fletcher commented “It was a great campaign by the whole team, who showed fantastic fight and desire for the club. To be selected for the team in this competition is a great achievement for the swimmers, with some only selected for a relay race but the commitment shown by all gives me great hope for the future”.     

If you would like to join Redditch Swimming Club or request a trial please visit https://www.redditchswim.org.uk/  for further details.

Report submitted by Redditch Swimming Club