National Speedo League – Round Two – A Look Ahead

The jubilation of having come third in a tough first round National Speedo League group was soon tempered by the news that we had for the second time been drawn in a group of 6 teams which once again included runaway leaders Bolton.

The other teams in our Round 2 group are Altrincham, Garston, Ellesmere Port and Leyland Barracudas.
 
The disadvantage of competing in a group of 6 as opposed to 5 is enormous. A group of 6 teams compete for a maximum of 840 points - an average of 140 points per team. In a group of 5 teams there are 800 points up for grabs – an average of 160 points per team.

As a result we find ourselves languishing in 7th place in the League table on 143 points after Round 1. We need to finish in the top 6 after Round 2 to qualify for the final.

Realistically, Bolton (185 points), Northwich (163 points), Royton (167 points) and Whitchurch (173 points) are already through to the final.  That leaves two places up for grabs.

Tough to Reach Final

To reach the final we need to finish at least second in our Round 2 group and either beat Altrincham by a clear 17 points or amass 11 points more than Ashton Central achieve in their group of 5. That probably means we need to exceed 166 points.

Is this possible? Absolutely Yes! But it will require each and every individual team member rising to the occasion and delivering on the day. I don’t think more than one or two points will separate us from qualifying for the final so it’s crucial that we squeeze out additional points from every race.

Round 2 will take place on Saturday 8th November (Warm up 6pm) at Woolston Pool, WA1 4PN.

Map/Directions to Woolston Pool >>