Final Success for Ponteland ASC

On Sunday 22nd June at 10.45am, Coach John Nicholson, Team Manager Helen Mason, three parent helpers, the boy’s Team Captain and 41 swimmers left Ponteland ready to commence battle in the Durham and District Junior League Division II final.

The Diddy League is for swimmers between 9 and 12 years of age. There are currently 19 clubs from Northumberland, Tyne & Wear, Durham and Cleveland in the league which has three divisions.

During March and April each year teams compete in three first round galas against five other clubs from their division. The top six teams in the division compete in the final. Ponteland competed in three qualifying rounds – coming second at the first gala, third at the second gala and second in the third gala. At each gala Ponteland came behind City of Sunderland by a substantial number of points. Ponteland knew as the final day approached it was almost an impossibility to beat the City of Sunderland, but remained hopeful of finishing in at least second position.

The gala got underway with a spectacular parade of the six teams in the final. The Durham & District Junior League celebrates its 30th Year in 2008 and the teams recognized this achievement by balloons, posters, t-shirts and banners. The atmosphere at the gala was electric, the swimmers were particularly amazed at the noise from both the 300+ spectators and also support from their own teams! Ponteland after 30 events were in joint 3rd position, fighting against other clubs from the area. These included City of Sunderland, Consett, WearValley, South Tyneside and Tynedale.

After a tiring and nail biting 1hour 30mins Ponteland were ecstatic to come second, losing to City of Sunderland. This is an enormous achievement for PontelandASC – well done to all swimmers that competed.

For further details on Ponteland Amateur Swimming Club please visit www.pontelandasc.org.uk