Undefeated Atlantis land Sussex league title for the first time

Both Atlantis A and B teams were victorious in the final round of the competition. The B team consolidated their position in Division 2 with a solid home victory against Lewis A and 1066 A.

They were overall winners on the night scoring a superb 416 points placing them a commendable fourth place in Division 2 in their first year of competition.

The Atlantis A team went into the final undefeated, however it was going to be a tough proposition as Atlantis were swimming against the top-seeded teams in Sussex, Mid Sussex Marlins and local rivals Crawley.

The swimmers ranged in age from under-12 age category to open-age group swimmers.

After the first ten events, Atlantis were in an unfamiliar position, not at the top of the leaderboard.

The competition progressed with Atlantis showing some of their best swims this season and by the halfway point they nudged themselves into the lead. That was all that was needed, and united encouragement from coaching staff and supporters, win followed win and by the penultimate event Atlantis had an unassailable lead.

Going into event 57, the 8 x 50m squadron relay, Atlantis had already secured enough points to win the competition, but that didn’t stop them achieving first place with a comfortable squadron win six seconds ahead of second place team.

The Atlantis team were elated scoring 384 points, nearly 50 points ahead of the second place team, Crawley, undefeated throughout the season, accumulating a massive 1240 points and finally being crowned Sussex League Swimming Champions for the first time.

Head coach Andy Lobley said: “I think it has to be said that last night was truly inspiring as a coach. Fielding two teams for the first time in Sussex League was a major step forward for the club.

“For both teams to win their gala’s on the final round was awesome. The results from both galas represented a fantastic effort from everyone involved.

“It is easy at open meets for people to get fixated on times but it is brilliant fun to go to a gala where times mean nothing at all. It is about results and points and that is all that matters. Stood at the end of the lane and watching swimmers race to touch first or fifth is golden to me.

“The victories were a team effort and we should all, when you see them thank everyone who helped run the galas, worked poolside and cheered from the stands.

So a great big thanks to all our coaching team they do a sterling job, day-in, day-out and everyone of them has played a major part in the success.”