Runnymede's swimmers have made a big splash this year to demonstrate how much improvement has taken place within the club over the past 12 months.

The Thundersley club were promoted to Division One of the Speedo Diddy League last season after finishing third in Division Two.

Now Runnymede have forced their way into the final of the top division in their first season and were the only newly promoted team to do so.

They join last year's winners Thurrock, Romford Town, Griffins of Enfield, Braintree and Potters Bar in the final at Waltham Forest on June 1.

"This is a fantastic result for the club and shows that we have now a depth of promising youngsters starting to come through," said club coach Paul Eveleigh.

"We have beaten teams this year that were beating us easily last year and shows we are moving in the right direction."

Other notable achievements were the increase in the number of top six finishes in the Essex County Age Group Championships.

Last year saw just two swimmers achieve this feat compared to the five -- Aaron Eveleigh, Georgie Hunt, Charlotte Davis, Charlotte Delicata and Hugh Smith -- this year.

Aaron Eveleigh was the top boy in the championship in the 13 years age group, winning no fewer than nine gold medals in a range of strokes and distances. He now features in the top 50 nationally in each of these events.

Squad members are now travelling further afield in order to compete, with a number of the team travelling to Norwich on Easter weekend to gain experience of the Olympic-sized pool at East Anglia University.

Runnymede Swimming Club is also on the look out for youngsters who wish to try out for the club. Contact coach Paul Eveleigh on 01268 759043 if you would like to come along for a trial.

Published Friday, May 2, 2003

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