FOR most people November spells a drop-in temperature, perennial darkness settling in, central heating getting cranked up, looking out the thermals and trying to muster enough enthusiasm to start Christmas shopping.

For Gala ASC swimmers, though, November means only one thing… Championship Time.

Over the first three Monday nights in November the only thoughts Gala ASC swimmers have is winning enough points to be crowned 2018 Age Group Club Champions.

And over three frantic nights no swimmer disappointed with a show of some fantastic racing across all stroke disciplines.

Once again, this year’s Championships were well attended and contested with most of the Age Group titles being decided on the final night.

Monday, November 5saw the Butterfly and IM rounds, the following Monday was the Breaststroke and Backstroke, culminating on Monday, November 19 with the Freestyle and in most cases the ultimate decider on who would be crowned Club Champion for season 2018/19.

Competition fever also gripped the Club Coaches who competed in a 50M Freestyle Swim Off, much to the delight of their younger charges, with Ross Goodfellow picking up the gold medal.

The evening was rounded off with The Championship Relay which saw six teams of five swimmers compete for the Ronnie Ballantyne Memorial Cup.

Once again, the Club was fortunate to have Anne Ballantyne, daughter of the late Ronnie Ballantyne, to present the trophy to the winning team.

The Championship raffle was also drawn with some fantastic prizes being won - and this would not have been possible without the sterling efforts of Ronnie Frizzel, Stevie and Maureen Brown not to mention all the sponsors of the various prizes.

The newly crowned 2018 Club Champions were...

Girls 8&U: Lili Mundell,

Girls 10&U: Darcie Liddle,

Boys 10&U: Henry Grant,

Girls 12&U: Lucy D’Agrosa,

Boys 12&U: Archie MacDonell,

Girls 14&U: Anna D’Agrosa,

Boys 14&U: Gregor Collins

and the Men’s 15&Over: Jake Shepherd.

The Championship Relay Winning Team was Ewan Dickson, Darcie Liddle, Peter Forrest, Layla Whitson and William Taylor.

Gala ASC would like to thank all parent helpers, volunteers, coaches and pool staff for all their help over the 3 Championship nights. Without them such an event could not be held.