National Arena League Classes of 2022 Produce Historic Achievements
National Arena League Class of 2022 Produce Historic Achievements
On a day when Harry Kane was aiming for the stars for the English Football Team as they valiantly crashed out of the World Cup, it was by pure determination that Heathside travel and Exclkesior travel bosses convinced drivers to miss the football and take Poole Swimming Club's A and B teams across the river Severn and onto the Newport Sports Centre where each team was pitted in their respective division finals in a historic day at the Western Arena League Finals.
The A-Team was against familiar rivals Plymouth, Mount Kelly, Millfield, Cardiff, Swansea, Torfaen Dolphins, and the City of Bristol. The team was in the mix throughout the gala and eventually moved from a best of 3rd to finishing 6th in the overall standing on the night and in the league. However, this had been the closest the team had ever been to being in the mix with the big five clubs of the Western division and for the first time in Poole Swimming Club's history, the team will be rewarded with a trip to Cardiff in March to compete in the National Finals.
National Final Selections
There are six regional leagues currently operating across England and Wales. The rounds in October and November determine which teams will be in their regional league final. From the result of that final, the top six teams from each of the six leagues, making 36 teams in all, are entered into a virtual gala. The winner and runner-up of each league are guaranteed a place in the Finals weekend. The other eight places are determined through a virtual gala. The first 10 teams compete in the A Final, and the second 10 in the B Final.
It is yet to be confirmed if all six teams from the South West will historically make the A and B final, as Poole Swimming Club did not gain a disqualification on the night, whereas a couple of the other teams did, with 36 points spread in the virtual gala, it could have pitched Poole higher.
Mike Smith, the legendary coach, and team manager who has been going to the National League with Poole for 39 years, praised the team, captains, and coaches and will enjoy inspiring the team in his 40th year.
KEEP THE 4th MARCH FREE
Poole B 'rocking' Team
Not to be outdone, 3 hours later the B Team was in action against Taunton, Swindon Dolphins, Nofio Sir Gar, Tiverton, City of Bristol B Team, and Clevedon. With Taunton, Swindon, and Nofio looking for a return to the Premier Division, it was going to be a battle for the team to push for promotion. And with coach Chris and captain Alex passionately leading the team, they finished runners up, securing a promotion to the top flight, making the second piece of history on the day, as it becomes the first time Poole have two teams in the Premier Division in 2023.
Coach Chris commented on how it was such a close gala and how much the swimmers battled for every place and position they could gain, to proudly gain these historic results.
A BIG WELL DONE TO ALL TEAMS, AND A BIG THANK YOU TO THE OFFICIALS AND TEAM MANAGERS THAT GAVE THEIR TIME FOR THE CLUB IN EACH ROUND - IT IS APPRECIATED!
CARDIFF HERE WE COME!
