by Paul Robbins

THE borough of Redbridge were crowned Essex Senior and Junior swimming champions for the second year running.

Ben Hollis was in great form. In the 200 fly, Ben finished 2nd overall, but achieved a national qualifying time. He also won the junior event.

In the 100 fly, Ben finished 3rd and also won the juniors. In the 50 fly, Ben finished 4th in a best time and also set a best time in the 200 free (7th). Ben also achieved a best time in the 50 free. Ben just swam outside of his best in the 100 free.

Charlie Dentith achieved his national time in the 400IM with a 6 sec PB, finishing 5th overall and 2nd junior. In the 800, Charlie achieved a 5 sec PB and came 5th and 4th in the juniors. A 2 sec PB in the 100 fly secured a 3rd in the juniors and PBs set in the 100 breast (4th) and free. Charlie set a 2 sec PB to finish 5th in the final (3rd Junior), 8th in the 200IM and 200 free. In the 400free, Charlie swam to a 2 sec PB just missing out on his national time by 0.2. He finish 5th and 2nd junior. He also set a PB at the 200 mark.

Dean Smith was in great form, winning the 100IM in a new County record. He also finished 2nd in the 100 free with a 2 sec PB and 2nd in the 100 fly. Dean's 100IM and 100 free should qualify him for the British short course championships next year. Dean also set a PB in the 50 fly (3rd) and 4th in the 200 free and 200 fly and 5th in the 50 free.

Chris Inch achieved 3 national times over the weekend. A 6 sec PB in the 400 free to finish 2nd by 0.5 of a second and the same with the 100 back – both NQTs. Chris also set a 1 sec PB to win the 200IM. In the 200 fly, Chris equalled his PB and won the event. In the 50 & 100 fly, Chris finished 6th in both. In the 100 free, Chris achieved over a second PB to finish 5th in the final.

Jessica Lambert set a PB in the 50m back and just finished outside her best in the 100 & 200 events. She also completed in the 50 & 100 fly and 100 & 200IM.

Phoebe Hayes swam fantastically well. She set a 2 sec PB to win the 200 & 400 free. Phoebe also won the 800 & 1500 free and set a PB to win the 100 free. A great 6 sec PB in the 400IM to win and also won the 200 back. In the 50 back & free, Phoebe came 3rd but with best times.

Chris Stamp has a good weekend, achieving a 1 sec PB in the 100 IM finishing 6th in the final. He also set a PB in the 50 fly and 100 free and equalled his best times in the 100 fly and 50 & 200 free.

Ellie Bedwell was in great form. In the 100 free, Ellie achieved over a 1 sec PB finishing 5th in the final, 2nd junior position. In the 200 free, she swam to a 1 sec PB and finished 7th, 8th junior. Ellie also set PBs in the 50 free and back and the 400free. She also set a season’s best in the 200 back.

Lewis Archer-Defreitas set a PB in the 50 back, finishing 7th and 4th junior. Having just returned from illness, Lewis equalled his PB in the 200 back.

Lawrence Brown, also just returned from illness, swam a good 200 back and 400 free. Sophie Copper swam a very good 200 back, finishing 5th in the final, 4th junior. In the 100 back, Sophie finished 8th junior. In the 50 fly and back, she finished just outside of her best times. Sophie also competed in the 100 fly and 100IM.

Emily Cole swam really well considering she was unwell. In the 200 & 400 free, she set a 1 sec PB finishing 4th overall and 3rd junior in both events. In the 50 free and 100 free, Emily swam just outside of her best times. In the 800 she finished 7th and 5th in the juniors. In the 100 fly, Emily finished 4th, equalling her PB and just 1 sec outside her NQT. In the 50 fly, Emily set a best time, finishing 3rd 2nd junior. She also completed in the 100IM.

Kelsey Richards had a good weekend. She finished 4th in the 400, 3rd junior, 3rd in the 400IM 2nd junior, 7th in the 200 breast, 4th in the 100IM (3rd junior), 200 free 3rd in the final and 2nd junior position. Kelsey also competed in the 100 breast and 100 free, just missing out of the finals.

Johanna Lindblom swam her second fastest 800 free to finish 6th, 5th junior. She also set a PB at the 400 mark. In the 100 & 200 back, Jo achieved a PBs, and equalled her PB in the 200 free.

LBRSC sent out four girls relays. In the 9-10 year age group, the Medley team (Marie Campbell, Charley Bird, Sophie Priddle, Lucy Harwood) finished 2nd by 1/10th. In the freestyle relay, Eloise Montanana replaced Marie. The team swam brilliantly and finished 2nd. In the 11-12 medley team (Grace Wingrove, Claire Golightly, Ellie Wright, Ciara Purcell) made the final and finished 8th. In the free team, Sophia Amoroso replaced Claire. The team finished 8th overall.