Beverley Barracudas was not only crowned the top club but also clinched an unprecedented 8 league records on Saturday evening. Barracudas competed against fellow premier league clubs including Scarborough, Thirsk and Pocklington at the Ridings Gala held at East Riding Leisure Centre in Beverley. The spectators were treated to an evening of exciting competition as the premier league clubs fielded their finest swimmers. The standard was high, and the Barracudas were fully determined to demonstrate their incredible talent.
All clubs put up a commendable fight in the medley relay races that started and finished the gala’s programme. Girls’ 13 years and under 4 x 50m medley team gained a league record by over 2 seconds with a time of 2.20.78. This was swiftly followed by the boys’ 15 years and under 4 x 50m medley in another record time of 2.05.16 (previous record held by Scarborough, 2.06.28.)
Florence’s performance in the 50m freestyle event was a joy to watch. With a time of 34.30, Florence was delighted to clinch a league record (previously, 34.44.) Kieran clocked a league record in his, seemingly effortless performance, in the open age backstroke event with the time of 26.63 (previous record, 27.86.)
At the mid-way point of the competition, the team scores were nail-bitingly close with Beverley on 69 and Pocklington only two points behind. The second half was just as exciting as the first, with spectators treated to another league record by Fleur in the 50m backstroke race with a time of 34.77 (previous record, 34.91.)
The relay races were especially exciting with Barracudas swimmers determined to give it their all. In three consecutive events, the Barracudas teams produced league records. These included: girls’ 13 years and under 4 x 50m freestyle team relay; boys’ 15 years and under 4 x 50m freestyle relay; girls’ 15 years and under 4 x 50m freestyle relay. All teams worked harmoniously together, with smooth transitions and incredible grit.
The final scores were as follows: Scarborough 47, Pocklington 127, Thirsk 130 and Beverley 152. All swimmers, across each of the four teams, deserve congratulations for their fantastic efforts in what proved to be, a great spectator experience.