SWIMMERS reached their objective during the final of a prestigious competition thanks to the backing of their friends and supporters.

That’s the verdict of head coach Simon Pickering after Northwich Centurions were runners-up in their section of the National Arena League’s North West Division Two.

“It was a special atmosphere on poolside,” he said.

“Our swimmers really attacked while their teammates were yelling words of encouragement – I could practically smell the adrenaline!”

Centurions classified second on the night behind Fleetwood, and clear of Copeland in third.

It left them ninth overall.

Pickering, who took over from Philip Balcombe in June, told the Guardian that progress made during three meets this season left him feeling optimistic for the future.

He added: “We go into the New Year in a strong position.”

A strong showing in relay events was the key to Centurions’ success.

In 16 races, Northwich teams beat a target time he had set on 11 occasions.

That included four wins in the under 11s and under 13s girls’ 4x50m medley, and both boys’ and girls’ 4x50m medley for under 15s.

There were individual victories in eight other races.

Pickering said: “It’s an amazing achievement in itself that swimmers in 11 of our relay teams managed to go faster than a marker based on their cumulative personal bests.”

A team with a wide range of experience, including some debutants, will have learned from competing in those surroundings.

It vindicates too the coach’s decision to trust them.

“They were nervous but the older swimmers made them feel part of things,” said Simon Beckman, Centurions’ communications officer.

“The kids are friends as well as teammates, and I think that really showed.”

Results

National Arena League

Saturday, December 8

North West Division Two (Bottom Final)

At Darwen

1, Fleetwood 253pts

2, Northwich Centurions 239

3, Copeland 226

4, Romiley Marina 191

5, Blackpool Aquatics 177

6, Lancaster City 165

7, Leyland Barracudas 142