Home team secure victory at memorable Perth meet
The first round of this year’s Midland Premier Division swim league proved to be a thriller at the weekend, with the home team ultimately securing victory in the tightest of finishes at Perth Leisure Pool.
Perth City Swim Club, the league’s defending champions, just held off a strong challenge from Dundee City Aquatics to clinch the win in the very last race of the day.
Premier Division newcomers Blairgowrie Dolphins performed admirably in finishing joint third with last season’s runners-up Monifeith, as they both just edged ahead of a depleted Kinross Otters team in the final stages.
Perth City team manager Ashley Blundell said: “It was an incredibly exciting gala as we were neck and neck with DCA all the way through and just got the win at the end.
“It’s always nice to start the season well and especially in front of the home supporters, who were in really good voice throughout, offering the kids great encouragement.
“We have four more galas throughout the year and hopefully we can carry on the good form the swimmers showed at the weekend.
“It was a great battle with our friends from DCA and we know how tough it will be this year to try and retain our title.”
Ashley issued a heartfelt thanks to the numerous parent volunteers who helped ensure the gala ran smoothly on Saturday.
She said: “It is a genuine team effort and so many people are involved in helping as officials and fundraisers manning the tombola and bake sale.
“Nearly 200 swimmers took part and it was a massive effort from parents and other family members to ensure it went off without a hitch.”
Ashley and her coaching team of James Peaty and Graham Smart chose Alex McGregor as their “Star Swimmer” of the meet and he was presented with a trophy at the end of the day.
Preparations are already underway for the next staging of the league season, at Kinross on May 23, followed quickly by the DCA-hosted event at Olympia on June 6.