Hollingsworth ever closer to Games spot

TOM HOLLINGSWORTH has one foot on the plane to Melbourne and next year's Commonwealth Games after more outstanding swims at the Southern Counties Championships at Crystal Palace. The medley specialist repeated four qualifying standard swims achieved earlier this year in claiming three age-group titles, one area record and three island long-course marks.

It seems inconceivable that the 17-year-old won't win a place in the Guernsey team which, Barracudas' coach Alison Frankland hopes, could be twice the size of the group that went to Manchester in 2002.

On that occasion Guernsey sent three representatives. Next year, she says that the squad could be six strong and that the Sarnians will be able to field a men's relay squad.

'We've suggested we take a relay team, said Frankland, who was coach of the Guernsey team in 2002.

'The Isle of Man had a relay team there and they were in a final. We've got stronger boys than them.

'We are looking at those boys who can go under two minutes for 200 freestyle.'

Others in the frame for Melbourne include 15-year-old sensation Jeremy Osborne, Ian Powell, Ben Lowndes, Jonathan Le Noury, Gail Strobridge and Christine Hume.

Powell could yet go as part of the England team, although he will compete under the Barracudas banner at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games trials.

Frankland said she had no problem with Powell representing England rather than his native island, as the national team can offer so much more in terms of support.

As for Osborne, who is still 1.8sec. off the necessary standard for his best event, the 100m freestyle, she said: 'It would be a great experience for him if he could go.'

She firmly believes in the benefits of a squad as opposed to taking just the odd individual.

'I do believe if you've got a team there that they build off each other.'

In the 50m pool at Crystal Palace and competing at the bottom of the 17/18 age group Hollingsworth was outstanding.

He was crowned area champion in the 200 individual medley and 200 butterfly.

What is more, his long course times of 2-10.06 and 2-06.34 respectively broke two of Ian Powell's island records and were also the fastest times of the meet, the latter being a district record by two seconds.

He also triumphed in the 200 backstroke and although he established a further island record in the 100 butterfly with his time of 57.50, he was pipped to the post by 18-year-old Ben Hutchinson from Crawley.