Swimmers enjoy fine start

5:46pm Friday 25th January 2002

VERULAM SWIMMING CLUB got off to a fine start in Division Two of the Hertfordshire Major League on January 12, finishing second behind local-rivals Hoddesdon after the first round gala at the Hitchin baths.

Natasha Aylett and Daniel Smallcorn were first to score points for Verulam, winning the Under-12 girl's and boy's backstroke, respectively.

Robert Van Tromp was equally impressive in the breaststroke, while Joseph Plunkett was a comfortable winner in the Under-14's 100m breaststroke and Kathryn Govier and Adam Hunt each left the field well behind them to win the 50m butterfly and 100m backstroke.

Hannah Pointu was also in her best form to win the freestyle swim.

However, it was a slightly frustrating afternoon for the Verulam Under-16's, where Jasmine McShane, Jessica Palmer, Sophie Roch and Amy Long had to be content with the runners-up spot behind Hoddesdon.

It was back to business in the Open section though, as Katie Fusi was first home in the backstroke and Michael Bates was equally dominant in the breaststroke.

Fusi later combined with Lorna Forbes, Robyn Young and Rebecca Ferbuyt to win both the freestyle and medley relays.

However, despite these victories, coupled with second places in each of the last eight races, Verulam could not pip Hoddesdon overall.

Verulam will have a chance to leapfrog Hoddesdon when Round Two takes place in early February, again in Hitchin.

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