 The Clyde Coast Mini League Final June 13 2009
I would like to begin with a message for all the supporters and parents of the mini league swimmers, (especially those swimmers who helped us get to the final but were not there on the day) – you should be very, very, proud of your team. Not only did they give 100% in their swims they shouted and cheered their team mates all the way to the closest mini league finish in many a year...they are all stars.
In what was proved to be a hard fought and close contest, the City of Glasgow Swimmers showed what team work means – doing your best and supporting your pals to do theirs –coming second, by only 5 points, to some strong North Ayrshire swimmers. Congratulations to North Ayrshire on their victory and also to the other teams for making this a truly memorable day.
The day began well with the sun shining and coach Chris leading the
community singing (and by the way the front of the bus can sing!). Even
though the start was delayed by 30 long and hot minutes, the COGS team
kept their focus and declared their intentions ‘early doors’ - winning
4 of the first 6 relays and then adding a series of excellent
individual swims to set the standard and to assume the lead after 12
events.
It was all ‘nip and tuck’ after that with many races being won
by only the length of a finger tip (or even nail). The points continued
to build as did the tension and then the team and the supporters in the
gallery switched on the after-burner and turned up the volume to 11
(see Spinal Tap). What a din – it was even louder than many of the
Dads’ t-shirts!
Before we knew it we were at the final squadron relays with the
‘ball firmly still in play’. The team gave it one last magnificent
effort coming second the Girls and first in the Boys races and proving
to everyone at the Citadel – spectators, coaches and other teams – that
the COGS team are truly a force to be reckoned with.
Congratulations to our swimmers on doing so well.
Anna Fleming
Angus Nicol
Gemma Campbell
Ross Prociw
Kirsty Adams
Harry Davidson
Nicole Amato
Iain Allan
Tegan Kirkwood
Ross McPherson
Anna Breckenridge
Adam Carnegie
Cari Kiddie
Peter McManus
Jessica Boyle
Michael McGarrie
Ashley Murdoch
Scott McKay
Yong Yin Breslin
Declan Kirkwood
Olivia Jackson
Martin McInnes
Kirstin Clark
Gordon Airlie
Katie Rockliff
Amy Callaghan
Laura Robertson
We would also like to thank our Coaches Chris, Georgina, Dave
and Louise for their help and guidance, all the mums, dads, relatives
and friends for supporting us in the long road to the Citadel, head
team manager Liane for making sure everyone was able to focus on the
important thing i.e. swimming and Scott the bus driver (and ex COGST
swimmer) for getting us there and back safely.
As someone once said...you either win or you learn. Last
Saturday we did not win but we did learn that come June 2010, the City
of Glasgow Swim Team will be at the Citadel and be ready and raring to
go for gold.
Graeme Boyle/Liane McPherson
|
