...SWIMMING CLUB League results: A team finished 3rd out of 7 teams (1 point behind 2nd place) B team finished 4th out of 7 (3rd equal with Aston on points) U16’s came 8th out of 8 (but showed definite improvement as the season progressed) U18’s 4th equal with Warley Once again, we owe enormous thanks to our hard working Hon. Water Polo Secretary, Richard Brough for organising all the teams, entries, results, and everything else that enables the club to continue to play year on year. We would be lost without him. In November Richard reached the final 3 in the Midlands Unsung Sports Hero of the year competition, run by Midlands Today, which recognises volunteers who have made exceptional contributions towards local sports. This involved a film crew, both at Richard’s factory and at the pool, where a number of members spoke movingly about what he means to the club. Several committee members, and current and past members and players, enjoyed a very special evening with him at the presentation event at Villa Park on 30 November. Whilst he didn’t win the ultimate prize, it was a huge achievement to get to the final, and Richard now knows without doubt how valued he is by us all. Huge congratulations Richard. The annual fun match took place on 22 June and produced the usual obligatory chaos, total disregard for the rules, and downright cheating! Chris Greenhill’s brilliantly creative (but completely unbiased) refereeing once again engineered the traditional outcome. Thanks Chris, and everyone who came along and joined in the fun. At the annual School & U18 v Old Boys night in October, the Old Boys won the relay race and the School & U18’s won the water polo match. Honours even! The H S Smith Race Night on 14 October was well attended, and saw highly competitive races not only in the age group competitions, but also for the perpetual trophies, where the exuberance of youth met the maturity and strength of older competitors. The Blue Ribbon races; the 100m and the 4 length Individual Medley were both won by John Cooper. A special award was made to Vyom Patel as The Most Improved U16 Water Polo Player of the year. Our Awards & Social evening on 19 November was very well supported; awards for race night winners were presented to those who were in attendance. It was a particular pleasure to see many of our youngsters and their parents there – we hope you had a good time. The Allison trophy for the most improved swimmer was awarded to Nieve Cox, The Richard Brough trophy to Pav Gill, players’ player of the year trophies to Alun Richards for the U18 team, Pav Gill for the B team and jointly to Jason Culloo and Scott Ginder for the A team. The U16 tournament was held on 16 December. Unfortunately only one other team was able to compete, which was Warley, who won the match and the trophy. The annual Under 21 v Over 21 match was played on 6 January 2017 and produced a hotly contested battle, full of action, which was ultimately won by the U21’s by 21 goals to 20. The Club teaches swimming to children aged 5 years upward, prepares them for competitive swimming in our training lanes and to play water polo via Mini Polo, through to U14, U16 and U18 teams. Pupils from the School are warmly welcomed, together with siblings and also friends from within the local area. Lorraine Hughes CLUBS AND SOCIETIES 35 downright cheating! Chris Greenhill’s brilliantly creative (but completely The H S Smith Race Nigh October was well attended, and saw highly competitive races not only in the age group competitions, but also for the perpetual trophies, where the exuberance of youth met the maturity and strength of older competitors. The Blue Ribbon races; the 100m and the 4 length Individual Medley were both won by John Cooper. A special award was made to Vyom Patel as The Most Improved U16 Water Polo Player of the year. Our on 19 November was very well supported; awards for race night winners were presented to those who were in attendance. It was a he means to the club. Several committee members, and current and past members and players, enjoyed a very special evening with him at the presentation event at Villa The Annual Fun Match…the usual obligatory chaos, total disregard for the rules, and downright cheating…