liverpool dominant in B final
It was a dominant performance from City of Liverpool which saw them take a convincing victory in the Speedo League B final. Led by top swimmer performances from Fran Halsall and Michael Rock the north west representatives were too strong for their rivals, running out winners by a margin of 36 points over Ealing.
As a statement of intent, Liverpool's opening was nothing if not definite. the team won four of the first five events to establish an early platform and never looked back. Halsall got them off to the best possible start in the ladies individual medley, blitzing the field to win in 2:15.89, a new meet best performance. Rock was not to be outdone and repeated the feat, winning in 2:04.64, another meet best time. With the pattern firmly established, Liverpool were then able to draw on an impressive level of consistency to keep them ahead of eventual runners up Ealing. Halsall and Rock added second wins in the 100m fly, with the former advancing herself top 5th in the all time British rankings, with her first sub 60-second swim of 59.88.
Halsall was delighted with that performance - "I swam 60.2 in Perth last week and I thought I could go under the minute today, but after the IM I felt quite tired so I was really pleased to do it" she said. She also dedicated the team's win to head coach Colin Stripe, who was unable to be at Ponds Forge due to a family illness.
Ealing meanwhile, had their own battle with Leatherhead to contend with in order to secure the runner's up spot. Bournemouth had set the early pace in chasing the eventual winners, but Ealing's greater strength in depth told as they took over the second spot at around the halfway point. A late challenge form Leather ahead in the final set of relays was successfully repelled to secure the runner's up position.
The meet saw several British international turning out for heir home clubs. Caitlin McClatchey wont he ladies 100 freestyle for Northampton, while David Davies stepped down considerable in distance to take on the 100 fly and freestyle for City of Cardiff. Michael Rock got the better of him in the former event, while Charles Turner of Ealing led the Olympic bronze medallist home in the freestyle.