THE final round of the National Swimming League Championship took place recently at Downham Market swimming pool and among the competing teams was Wymondham-based Norwich Swan Swimming Club.

THE final round of the National Swimming League Championship took place recently at Downham Market swimming pool and among the competing teams was Wymondham-based Norwich Swan Swimming Club.

This was the last competition for the club for 2008, and the team certainly finished in style.

With 13 wins (seven in the relays); 12 second places (four in the relays) and 20 out of 34 individual swims producing yet more personal best times, Swan closed the gap on their rivals in dramatic fashion.

Just seven points separated the winners, Newmarket, from Swan, whereas a few weeks ago at Gainsborough the points difference between the two teams was 34!

As chief coach, John Digby, explained after the gala: “With so many good swims it was hard to pick a Swan Swimmer of the Gala.

“In the end Fraser Ellis, Nick Ford, Owen Richardson and Thomas Matthews (11 years and under) were given the honour collectively for their overall performances, namely winning both of their relays and taking two wins, one second and one third in their individual races.

“The open class girls (Sara Greenwood, Charlotte Thompson, Sophie Liddament and Clare Freeman) also excelled with four wins, two seconds and one third place in their individual events.”

The final position, which has to be officially ratified, indicates that 2008 is going to produce an improvement for the club.

Last year Swan finished 14th from 20 clubs and this year a slightly higher final place from 22 clubs is on the cards.

It is fair to say that the overall standard of swimming competition both locally and nationally has improved enormously, therefore the battle for points has become more intense, which in turn means that success is more difficult to achieve.

Norwich Swan has enjoyed its successes this year by concentrated application from the swimmers and coaches alike, and with more of the same to come, the club can justifiably look forward to 2009 with a mixture of excitement, anticipation and confidence.

Digby concluded: “I think that the club has made big strides forward this year, and although I expect some settling in with the new squad structure I am confident that the changes will see us become even stronger throughout 2009.

“I look forward to being a part of that, and thank you (club committee and officials) for all your help in 2008.”