A group of 9-12 year olds from Pioneer Swimming Club competed in the grand final of the North West Micro League Division A, with a place in the North West National Final at stake.
Going into the gala, Southport – National winners for the last two years, and Northern Area Finalists for the last five years – had qualified with a comfortable gap of 139 points, with Blackpool in second position, only three points ahead of Pioneer 79, who were again only three points ahead of Leyland. It was a nail-biting final.
At the half-way stage, Southport had a comfortable lead of 20.5 points with Pioneer battling for second place with 60.5, and Blackpool just behind with 57.5 points with Leyland in fourth place, 40 points.
Pioneer stepped up a gear in the second half, eventually finishing just 27.5 points behind Southport in a comfortable second place, but some 25.5 points ahead of Blackpool.
The result meant that Southport proceed onto the Northern Area Final in Lincoln at the beginning of October, hoping to retain their title at the Grand Final in November.
A day later the 9-12 year old swimmers were competing again, this time in the final of the Bolton and District Mini League, an event that Pioneer 79 swam to victory in 2009.
Teams competing in the final were Bolton, Pioneer 79, Swinton, Warrington Warriors, Wigan and Worsley.
At the half-way mark, Pioneer were in first position with 68 points, with Bolton in second with 56, and Worsley on 55 points.
The swimmers were aware that the cup was well within their grasp for a second successive year, and managed to stay focused, swimming beyond all their expectations, to increase their lead and claim victory.
On returning to Hyndburn Sports Centre, the swimmers paraded around the pool to show the other club swimmers and parents their trophy and medal haul.
Over the season, swimmers times at the Micro League Galas have been collated by head coach John McGinty, and at the final on Saturday a staggering 42 records were broken.
"The weekend’s results bare testament to the hard work and dedication Pioneer 79 swimmers, teachers and coaches have put in to developing the skills and disciplines needed to race at highest level," said John. "The massive scale of improvement throughout all of the age groups was very rewarding."
The 2010/2011 swimming season starts at the beginning of October, the first gala will be the North Lancs at Palatine Pool, Blackpool.
Pioneer 79 Swimming Club is a club consisting of swimmers of all abilities, from beginners through to masters. Anyone interested contact Susan on 01254 390793.
PIONEER’S Sportsman’s Dinner will be held on Friday 1 October, 7pm for 7.30pm start at Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho, with Paul Merson as guest speaker. For tickets and further information, telephone either 07747843456 or 07887748554.
