SWIMMING GALAS
Maidwell Hall v Kimbolton
Lent Term 2010
On Tuesday 23rd February the Maidwell Hall swimming team travelled to Kimbolton for our annual fixture. As we were only requested to bring our A team we were a small representation of only twenty swimmers.
After the first three backstroke races we were feeling a little gloomy as we had been well and truly beaten. James Keating (debut A team swimmer) then gave an outstanding performance winning his race and causing us all much excitement!
The breaststroke was more encouraging with both Harry McGrath and Dominic Peppiatt maintaining their unbeaten records. What followed was an extremely exciting under 13’s butterfly race which involved a nail biting finish between Ignacio and his opponent. I am still unsure of the outcome (it appeared to be a draw).
Both the under 11 (Lochie Payne) and under 13 (Ignacio) races were wonderful to watch. Two exceptionally strong swimmers whose performances appeared effortless. It has to be said that our relays were just not quite strong enough to make up the points we needed by that stage and the overall total at the end of the gala was as follows:
Kimbolton 60
Maidwell Hall 40
CL
Stowe Prep Schools' Swimming Championships
Thursday, 14th May, 2009
The boys always enjoy going to this event and this year was no exception. We took an A and B team to swim both freestyle and medley relays. Unfortunately in the freestyle relays we did not qualify for the final but the medley A team did qualify and so we were to be treated to an exciting relay during which, at one point, we were in the lead. Sadly though we ended up coming fifth but considering this was out of ten teams we were not too disheartened. This was an under 11 event but we ended up taking two boys who are actually only 10 and who proved themselves more than capable of competing at this level. Although these were relays and they require boys to work as a team in every sense, I would like to mention both Lochie Payne and Harry McGrath who I feel gave particularly outstanding performances in the final medley relay.
Afterwards there was tea in the Marble Hall and since it was not raining we were able to sit outside on the steps overlooking the cricket pitch. Two old Maidwellians were playing so we watched as we had our tea – a fitting end to an enjoyable day. Many thanks to Mr. and Mrs. McGrath for taking two cars full of eager swimmers!
Maidwell Hall vs Bedford Prep
Tuesday, 5th May, 2009
This was a competitive swimming gala and the Bedford B swimmers were more exceptional than we had anticipated. Nevertheless our boys did not allow themselves to become daunted by the standard they were facing and there were some fantastic victories, particularly amongst the under 13's. It is fair to say we performed better in the races than the relays but the final event (Squadron) was unbelievably exciting with Patrick Bullard securing a win for this event though sadly not the gala overall.
Overall result:
Maidwell Hall 170
Bedford 172
Maidwell Hall vs Kimbolton Prep
Thursday, 26th February, 2009
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19 competed in this gala. We won all four front crawl races to get the gala off to a good start and then managed to maintain this lead throughout. There were some very exciting relays and in particular the Under 11 Medlay. This was completed in the final split by Charlie Chamberlayne who was neck and neck for the entire length but managed to finish just before his opponent. Out top two year groups showed off their strength winning all but two events. The Under 13 freestyle was a pleasure to watch with Fergus Wright finishing well ahead of the opposition.
| Maidwell Hall |
|
Kimbolton Prep |
|
| Under 10's |
50 |
Under 10's |
70 |
| Under 11's |
65 |
Under 11's |
55 |
| Under 12's |
75 |
Under 12's |
50 |
| Under 13's |
75 |
Under 13's |
45 |
| Total |
265 |
Total |
220 | |
Maidwell Hall vs Summer Fields
Thursday, 4th December, 2008
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33 boys of all ages represented the school. We took A and B teams in the Under 13's, 12's and 11's and A teams only in the younger age groups. We swam 3 butterfly races in whcih we caught up on much needed points but unfortunately not enough to win. Everyone swam well at this gala and it is never easy in an unfamiliar pool. Lochie Payne's performance was outstanding swimming in 6 events. Humphrey FitzRoy Newdegate and Angus Norman were brave enough to compete in what is without doubt the hardest swimming event of all, the individual medley relay. They both swam for their respective age groups with guts and determination while the spectators screamed with excitment at the incredibly close finishes.
Final Result
Summer Fields 224
Maidwell Hall 196
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Maidwell Hall vs Bedford
Tuesday 6th May, 2008
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Twenty four boys of mixed ages went to Bedford to swim against their team which was made up of mostly B team swimmers. They were well matched and there were some very exciting races. One of the most exciting I have watched since my time at Maidwell was the under 9’s breaststroke in which Rory Peppiatt fought to the very end to grab his victory within a nanosecond of his opponent.
The under 12’s were particularly strong and won all of their events without exception. Thank you to all who swam so well but particularly to Frank Sale who has captained the team for the last year and for whom it was the last gala during his time at Maidwell. It was good to end on a high note!
Final result
Maidwell Hall 142
Bedford Prep 124
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