News

Warrender swimmers took a firm grip on the race for the Top Club Solripe Trophy as they dominated proceedings at the first round of the East District Age Group Championships in Glenrothes this weekend.  With a total of 28 medals won over the two days, Warrender staked their claim for a ninth consecutive tite building up a 17 point lead over nearest challengers Carnegie on 11, with Dunedin (7) and Hearts (4) further adrift (points are scored one per medal).

There were several outstanding swims from the boys and girls in red, headed up by Rosie Hood's swim of 2:14.86 in the Girl's 16/over 200 Backstroke - a new East District Senior and Junior record!  Rosie quickly made it a brace of gold medals with victory in the 400 I.M. in a career best time of 5:01.71, with Helen McRoberts making it a Warrender 1-2 with her PB of 5:02.92.  Helen also took bronze in the 200 Butterfly (2:27.27), with Fiona Booth picking up the silver medal (2:21.78).

Great Britain international Lewis Smith made a good start to this Olympic year as he collected a hat-trick of wins in his first meet of the season.  Lewis dominated the action in the Boys 16/over age group winning all three contested events, the 200 Butterfly (2:02.65), 200 Backstroke (2:01.60) and 400 I.M. (4:23.83).  Team-mate Billy Purnell helped add to the medal tally in this section as he followed Lewis home for silver in the 200 Backstroke (2:06.12) and the bronze medal in the 400 I.M. (4:31.00).

In the Boys 14/15 years category, Warrender were virtually unchallenged winning all 9 of the medals available.  Ross Woolley was the most successful as he claimed gold in all three races, the 200 Butterfly (2:16.82), 200 Backstroke (2:10.83) and 400 I.M. (4:48.13).  In the 200 Butterfly, Robbie Purvis (2:21.27) and Mark Steeples (2:21.74) completed the clean sweep, while Craig McNally (2:10.93) and Ruaridh Loughlin (2:19.84) did likewise in the 200 Backstroke.  And the rout was made good in the 400 IM by Robbie (4:52.75) and Craig (4:54.57).

Scottish squad members Jennifer Dobson and Marnie Stewart led the way in the same age group for girls.  In some very closely contested races, Jennifer came out on top in the 200 Backstroke (2:21.16) and 200 Butterfly (2:25.50), while also collecting the bronze in the 400 I.M. (5:05.67).  Marnie swam a great PB to secure silver ahead of Jennifer in the 400 I.M. (5:05.09).

Usually known for his endeavours on breaststroke, Craig Benson is starting to make a name for himself on other events after a series of excellent swims over the weekend.  In the 200 Butterfly Craig tracked former Warrender swimmer Zach Courtney over the first 175m, before making his move down the final length using his superior technique and determination to overhaul Zach to the cheers of the crowd, and claim an unexpected gold in an incredible 18 second PB of 2:22.54.  Craig also swam very well to win silver in both the 400 I.M. (4:59.28) and 200 Backstroke (2:22.25).

At the younger end of the scale, it was rapidly improving Iain Rose who rose to the occasion.  Competing in the Boys 10/11 years section, Iain swam outstandingly well to pick up the silver medal in both the 400 I.M. (6:19.24) and 200 Breaststroke (3:14.21).

The Warrender swimmers now return to hard training throughout November in preparation for Round 2 of the District Championships and other meets in December.