Duel in the Pool 2018 : Times & Report

Meadowside Leisure Centre, Burton on Trent, 8th September 2018

Following the successful running of the event since 2015 BASC last night ran the 4th version of the Duel in the Pool. This event is open to all swimmers and is used as a club night to get swimmers into competitive swimming while having lots of fun with team mates. The club is split into two teams, families kept together where we can, in an attempt to field two evenly matched teams.

The challengers of the Bluerays entered first to the cheers from parents and grandparents, and the booming sound of the ‘Uptown Funk’ under the leadership of captains Matt Gates and Harrison Jones. Defending champions Bluefins then entered to the sound of the ‘I gotta feeling” by Team captains Immy Hill and Ella Cooper.

This year we had an extra surprise – the brand new starting blocks complete with the setting back foot plate had arrived. Craig Day has worked tirelessly over the last few years to not only raise funds but raise the profile of BASC in the local community. The blocks came after fantastic support from Brizlincote Parish Council, ESBC Neighbourhood Fund, Meadowside Leisure Centre, Stretton Parish Council, Swadlincote Rotary Club and the Bridge Inn. Representatives from our sponsors attended last night and assisted with rewarding the swimmers with medals at the end.

In total over 100 swimmers took part and for many of the very little ones this was their first swim in a gala. The two banners made by the junior captains (and parental help no doubt) hung up in the two team bases to give a real ‘two tribes’ feel to the event

The music that was played throughout the night added to the atmosphere and the kids shouted for all 51 races last night – plus a lot of dancing while not swimming to the hits on play

The event was again split into 4 age groups – based on age on the day

– 9 and under
– 10 and 11
– 12 to 14
– 15 and above

All strokes were covered during the 52 race programme with a choice girls and boys race over 50m on both kickboard and pull buoy. ( I hope coaches were watching which kids can go fast when points at stake rather than in training !!!!) – plus each Senior Captain chose a race to play the ‘Joker’ in order to earn double points – each team had 3 lanes for each event with the 3 lanes added together to get a team total to decide the result.

The teams had swimmers from the little pool through to masters with coaches also swimming last night. The pool had a lovely atmosphere last night and the races got under way to a few nerves and lots of smiles.

The noise at the end was the BEST BIT – both teams chanting at each other then diving in as the result was announced – the team spirit and friendship within the club continues to grow and tonight was our noisiest duel so far. All the kids plunged into the pool as the result was announced.

Team Captains led their teams up in turn to collect medals from club representatives and sponsors present at the event.

The Final result was Bluefins 589 v Bluerays 533 – so just half a point a race swing to the reigning champions – but with both teams winning many races and lots of PB times swam in a great atmosphere – Thank you to all who helped make this such a special night for the swimmers both young and old!!!