Mini League 2016 - Round 3

Pioneer 79 Swimmers were on top form in Wigan recently where they took on Swinton and Wigan in Round 3 of the Bolton & Manchester Mini League Competition.  After a mix up on start times, with us and Swinton turning up an hour earlier than required, our young 9-12 year old swimmers were ready for action when the competition started!

The Bolton and Manchester Mini League consists of 13 teams from around the area.  These teams are drawn into Groups of which there are 4.  Pioneer 79 this year were draw in to Group C along with Swinton and Wigan.  Each team hosts a ‘home’ gala and the points are added up throughout the rounds where an A and B Final will take place in September at HorwichLeisure Centre. 

After Round 2, Pioneer 79 were lying 1st in their group with 162 points, Swinton 2nd with 147 points and Worsley 3rd with 123 points, so with a slight lead that could be quashed at any time, Pioneer 79 needed to swim their socks off to ensure a spot in the A Final in September.

With many of the selected team unable to make it on the night, swimmers were drafted in from lower ages to swim up an age group and they coped extremely well.  It was undoubtedly a close battle between the 3 teams throughout the evening, with a number of disqualifications for each,unfortunately, the announcement system was not working, so there were no interim results announced.  

At the end of the evening, the points were called out, as expected, it was very close.  In equal 2nd position, were Swinton and Wigan with 54 points, and Pioneer 79 were declared the winners of the final round with 61 points.

With all 3 rounds of this league now complete, we await to find out which final we will be competing in September.  Team Manager, Andy Armstrong congratulated the whole team on their performances, and also their supporters for their continued support and encouragement from the spectatorsgallery.  He admitted that both he and the Coach, James Thompson honestly didn’t expect to win this round, however, as always consistency paid off.  Every swimmer did themselves and the club proud! Well done to everyone and here’s to the final in September.’