Harley Winster Trophy 2008
The Cambridge Dive Team finished the year with its annual Harley Winster Trophy Gala at Parkside Pools with events for Novice, Under 14 and Over 14 years. These were contested by the county's top divers in remarkably high standard competitions. The evening also featured a spectacular diving display performed by 25 members of the Dive Team.
The Under 14 age-group, which included two divers who have recently been selected onto the new national programme, was a closely fought competition in which the lead change hands several times. Daniel Goodfellow and Lucy Cliff battled all the way with the result determined by the final dive. Daniel set the bench mark with the dive of the competition, a forward 1½ somersaults from the 5m platform, to score 7s and 8s from the judges. Knowing she needed a 6.5 average to take the title, Lucy stepped up to perform a reverse 1½ somersaults. This was the first time Lucy had performed this dive in competition and she gave it her all. A superb effort was duly rewarded by the judges but unfortunately scoring a 6 average Lucy just missed out, handing the title and gold medal to Goodfellow who scored 185.60. With less than one point separating the two young potentials it made for a great start to the evening's events. A fine display by Sebastian Jaunzens earned him the bronze medal with 155.25 points.
More excitement soon followed with the Cambridge Diving Display Team putting on stunning exhibition that included divers of all ages and abilities. Set to music and covering a vast array of complicated and basic dives the spectators showed their appreciation by clapping and cheering every dive. The inclusion of some stunt dives by senior athletes, Edward Hird and Nathaniel Doza, added a comical element whilst an 8-in-1 rapid fire finale from the 5m received the roar of applause the display team deserved.
Next came the turn of the Novice divers. Ranging in both age and competitive experience this was again another closely fought competition. Last year's winner, Matthew Goodfellow eventually took the title just beating Rosy-May Marshall for first place. With a magnificent final dive, fast improving Poppy Hall captured the bronze medal spot. Divers from as young as seven years old were expected to show a number of different dives using the full range of diving boards from the 1m springboard up to the 5m platform. The competition was a fantastic experience for the "first timers" and having the chance to participate alongside some of Britain's finest under 16s certainly ignited their desire to progress in this exciting sport.
Ending the evenings competitions were the Over 14s with all the divers showing their experience to put on a fantastic performance of some of the most complex dives possible. Using the full range of diving boards, Matthew Roberts took the gold medal with a massive score of 267.35. His forward 2½ somersaults 1 twist was the hardest dive of the competition and scores of 6s highlighted Matthew's intentions as a true competitor in next year's Senior National event. Ben Sambrook took the opportunity to test himself with new and difficult dives which he did to good effect, winning the silver medal with 202.10 closely followed by Ed Hird in third spot with 189.95.
Trophies were presented by the President of the East Region Swimming Association, David Metcalf, and Jenny Winster.
A fantastic evening was had by all with the standard of diving being produced at Cambridge is becoming ever more impressive. All of the nail biting competitions were dived under the festive spirit and it was great to see the club pull together to put on such a good show.
Posted 30/12/2008