ERITH & District Swimming Club have secured a place in the promotional gala after an outstanding win in an exciting second round Speedo League gala, held at the Riverside Pool, Erith.

After 18 races, Erith looked very convincing with a lead of 17 points. Braintree and Bocking quickly closed the gap and at one stage took the lead.

However, the continued determination of the Erith squad finally paid off when they recaptured the lead and then went on to win by a very creditable 10 points.

Freda Ross, Grant Cooper, Philip Brown, Joe Thorogood, Stephen Hartley and Sarah Garrett (two), all attained maximum points for Erith in their individual events.

The relays proved equally successful with wins in the boy's 9-11 years medley, girl's 15 & under freestyle, boy's 15 & under medley, and the ladies and men's open medley.

Wins in the last two races of the gala confirmed an overall win for Erith, with the ladies team of Freda Ross, Helen Clifton, Shelley Carver, Hannah Spencer, Luch Cowell and Sarah Garrett, and the men's squad team of Paul Nicholls, Philip Brown, Sam Hayes, Stephen Kihara, Mark Russell and Grant Cooper being successful

The final positions and points were: Erith 179.5, Braintree & Bocking 169.5, Herne Bay 153, Dorking 135 and Maidstone 112.

If you are interested in becoming a member of a very successful club, then call the Erith & District Swimming Club secretary, Pam Bedford, on 01322 439892 or the coach John Burdett on 01322 277754.

December 11, 2001 18:06