Top six the aim in Waterlooville

THE Guernsey Swimming Club hope to achieve a top-six position in their division of the National Speedo League at the weekend. Having competed in the first two rounds by the postal system using their home pool, the Rothschild-sponsored 28-strong squad head to England on Saturday.

Following the November meet they retained their 11th position and would like to be in the top six following the final event in Waterlooville, Hampshire.

Guernsey Swimming Club director/president, Jo Norman, said competing against other swimmers should help the team to record even better times.

She has high hopes for some of their stars, including Ben Lowndes, Kristina Neves and Matt Girard.

'The team are very excited about going,' she said.

'We are very grateful to Rothschild for their assistance with our travel and accommodation costs and providing T-shirts for the team. It gives the kids a chance to swim against other high-calibre clubs.'

The GSC Rothschild team, which consists of swimmers as young as nine, will compete against up to 18 other clubs from the UK.

Rothschild director Stephen Dewsnip said that the bank was keen to support the team members.

'Guernsey produces some fantastic sportsmen and women,' he said.

'By providing funds for these young swimmers to compete in a national competition we hope to encourage them further.'