17 Nov 2007 - 1st Div table toppers glory at Kinross

The last gala of the year saw us head south west to Kinross.

 

The home team have challenged us all year and were the only other team in with a chance of nicking the title from us. However, the three point lead we had meant that a third place finish would see us past the finishing line although we were hoping for a more stylish finish to our campaign.

 

At the other end of the league, Monifieth and Blairgowrie were set to battle it out for the two bottom spots.

 

It was nice to see all five team at or reasonably near full strength, especially with the clash with the Scotland - Italy game !

 

The medley relays could not separate ourselves and Kinross at the front of the field whilst Monifieth opened up a handy 13 point lead over Blairgowrie who were at the back of the field.

 

Kinross undoubtably had the best of the first individual round and opened up a 9 point lead. Although we were comfortably ahead for 2nd place which would be enough, it was going to be a tough task to overhall the homesters and finish with a victory.

 

The second individual round actually saw Kinross extend their lead to 13 points before we closed the gap back to just 8 points with the last individual round and the free relays to go. Could we yet pull a victory out of the bag?

 

In the final individual round Kinross showed just what an improvement they have made as they all but sealed victory by opening their lead to a handsome 19 points.

 

At the other end, Monifieth had ensured survival in this division with their gap to Blairgowrie widening to 14 and then 19 points. Blairgowrie were not going out without a fight as they battled with Menzieshill to avoid bottom spot in this particular gala.

 

The free relays as always were well contested but at the end of the day we had to concede that we were beaten by a better team in Kinross Otters on the day.

 

Over the five galas we had maintained the lead from the off and although Kinross may have cast a little doubt, the win back in September effectively saw us to the finishing post.

 

The winners march was well deserved with all the swimmers having worked so hard to achieve this victory. Well done to all.

 

As promised, Team Manager Charlie White duly shaved off his moustache to celebrate the victory (see photos below).

 

Full result

 

1st       Kinross                  183 points        (5)

2nd      DCA                      163 points        (4)

3rd      Monifieth              134 points        (3) 

4th       Blairgowrie           108 points        (2)

5th       Menzieshill            105 points        (1)

  

Final league standings

 

DCA                23

Kinross            21

Menzieshill      12 

Monifieth         9 (deducted 1 point for non appearance at 1st gala)

Blairgowrie      8

 

The victorious 1st Div team with their trophies and the 1st Div shield (a moustached Charlie on the right)

 

Proof that he kept his promise