The Antwis Trophy Gala
Sevenoaks
Saturday March 8th
John Willis et al. took the intrepid heroes down to Sevenoaks to an invitation Gala on the afternoon that not only saw the Welsh winning the Triple Crown but also England being beaten by Scotland at Rugby ! I certainly needed something to brighten my weekend and it certainly was not going to be the weather.
The team had been weakened by County and family commitments so it would seem an uphill struggle to pull off a favourable result.
Sevenoaks committed two teams, Tonbridge, Edenbridge-Pirhannahs and our neighbours Whiteoaks made up the rest of the opposition.
It turned out to be a long drawn out evening as the chief referee checked and double checked every result and time! The announcer displayed his feminine side and was virtually inaudible for the main parts. ( Dartford had one disqualification for having a leg in a pyjama!.....we think!)
Dartford got off to a good start by winning the opening Squadron relay and never looked back winning heat after heat and amassing a superior 215 points to take the Trophy. (or rather would have done if the trophy had been returned by the previous winners.)
The usual team effort was exemplary, Hayley Slough should be thanked for stepping in at short notice, Rhys Williamson for pulling of a strategic PB and Grace Ladley competing, and holding her own, in the U12 backstroke.
Dartford 's now trademark celebratory mass jump-in was repeated for the fourth gala in succession. Well done swimmers and many thanks as always to mums and dads for supporting the team, and officials/helpers for giving of their free time.
Kevin Ladley.