Swimmers celebrate Ross League win (From Halesowen News)

Swimmers celebrate Ross League win

2:00pm Friday 22nd June 2012 in Sport

STOURBRIDGE Swimming Club are celebrating a fine victory in the Ross League.

The club’s juniors won the trophy for the first time since 2009 after a thrilling win in Gloucester, where the result was in doubt right up until the final race.

After Matt McCallum gave them the perfect start with victory in the night’s opening race, Stour built a nine-point lead in the first quarter of the event thanks to victories for the boys 10 and 12 years medley teams.

But they ran in to trouble as a series of speeding tickets — where swimmers see their points wiped for winning too easily — saw them pegged back. Only Beth Tetsill, in the breastroke, took victory as Stour found themselves 20 points adrift with 15 races to go.

The fightback began when Olivia Westwood took maximum points in the butterfly, while a further four wins came from the freestyle relay teams.

With two races to go Stour were back within a point of leaders Worcester, who they overtook thanks to victory in the boys relay.

Only the 10 years girls relay remained and Stour never looked in danger of losing as they claimed the league title.

Team manager, Julie Hill, said: “I’m so proud of all of the swimmers.

“They are a magnificent team and have performed over and over again in this league. There was a tremendous amount of lifetime best times achieved during this gala.

“The atmosphere on pool-side has been electric all night and our supporters have been fantastic. We can’t wait until next year to defend our title”

The club are currently on the look-out for new members. Contact head coach Stew Nicklin on 07834 689178 or through their website stourswim.co.uk