Arena Report and Results

It was apparent that the Marlin’s had stepped up to the big league when they arrived at Birmingham for their Arena League competition and found that world record holder Adam Peaty was in one of the teams they were up against. But this did not put them off! Knowing that survival in the league was going to be the target our small town club took on the giants of the city teams.
Race after race was a fight for a point scoring place , even if it was within a tenth of a second, each swimmer had to give their all. Marlin’s didn’t disappoint. The 13 years and under boys – William Brookes, Dominic Shrimpling, Casper Raynard and Howie Barden won both their relays, whilst the 9 to 11 girls – Jolie Baker, Eleanor Moseley, Poppy Hopewell and Phoebe ‘Bullet’ Barden matched this in their efforts with their fantastic swims. Sam Bassett, Harvey Waddingham, Cam Haynes and Sam Frost all gave epic performances along with the older boys in the final men’s open relay. 
But the gutsiest and most energy sapping performance must go to Joshua Horobin, who is Marlin’s breaststroke expert. He was obviously up against Adam Peaty himself and Joshua wasn’t going to let the opportunity go without a fight. With five swimmers chasing Peaty and wanting a piece of the world record holder the race for silver was on! There was no way Peaty was taking it easy and had pulled away by the first turn, however Joshua wasn’t going to give up. Being a strong finisher Joshua pulled away from the chasing pack and in the last 25m took the silver place! A feather in his cap considering he is four years younger. Second place to a world record holder is something definitely to write home about!
Great work by all the Mighty Marlin’s. A fantastic competition which was rounded off by a trip to McDonalds! A treat for not only the competitors, but the now hoarse spectators who had cheered the team on during every race. And boy the support was load!! 

 Mighty Marlins…