Below are all the news headlines from 2002

Morning Training

Morning training is back every Tuesday and Thursday morning at Hall Cross, 6:30-7:30.

30Nov: Sharks Snatch Title

After a year battling neck and neck with CoWakefield, South Axholme dominate the BML4 swim-off.

30Nov: 4th Place at NEC Youths

Having qualified 3rd fastest for the final of the 100m Backstroke, Andrew Butterfield looked on course for either Bronze or Silver with 25m to go. But a late charge from an outside lane pushed him back to 4th.

In her first appearance at the NECs, Emma Ashcroft swam to 17th in the 14/15 years 100m Breaststroke. Louise Niles came one place higher in the 100m Butterfly.

In the 15/16 years, the magical minute eluded Tom Weeks again in the 100m Free, he finished 29th.

23Nov: Andy: NEC Youth Finalist

Andrew Butterfield just sneaked into the final of the 17/18 years 100m Fly in the first weekend of the NEC Youth Champs. Thomas Weeks and James Collins also competed.

17Nov: Yorkshire Top Again

The Yorkshire Masters team including our very own Kev Nicholas (and Doncaster Master's Brian Taylor), won the ASA's Inter County Meet by 10 points:

1 Yorkshire 170
2 Lancashire 160
3 Cheshire 115
4 N & D 112

Kev managed to dip under 32 seconds (31.94) for his 2nd placed 50m Breaststroke (25+ years). Brian finished 4th in the 45+ years version of the same event, recording 36.85.

16Nov: National Bronze for Edlo

Day 1 of the National Speed Lifesaving Champs saw Edlington's young team of 12 year olds win Bronze in their first year in the 12-14 years team competition. In the older age groups, Andy Butterfield just missed the medals in his individual event, finishing 4th.

16Nov: SAS Keep up the Pressure

A 70 point win for South Axholme over Dearne Valley keeps the pressure on at the top of Dinsdale League Division 2.

14Nov: Golden Zoe

Birmingham's Newtown leisure centre hosted this year's national deaf children's gala, and Zoe Clayton continued her fine form from earlier in the month. In total, Zoe bagged an amazing 2 Gold medals (Breaststroke and Freestyle), 2 Silver medals (Backstroke and Butterfly), and 1 Bronze medal (100m IM).

10Nov: Armthorpe Again

Armthorpe's relentless drive towards PL1 continues with another comprehensive win in PL2. Rossington lose out to Sth Hunsley.

10Nov: Committee Meeting

The first meeting for the club's new committee will be 18:30 Sunday at Adwick.

9Nov: Spa Struggle Again

Spa's season comes to a crashing close with another 4th place in PL1.

9Nov: More Medals for Zoe

After Wednesday's regional triumph, Zoe Clayton was in action again today, at the DSE Open National Championships. Competing in her S15 (Deaf) category, Zoe bagged IM Gold, and Silver in the Breaststroke.

8Nov: Records Fall at Edlo Champs

Edlington's year just keeps getting better. Just half way through their club champs and four records have fallen already.

In the heats of the 8 and unders 25m Free, DARTES newcomer, Laura Hirst, smashed the record by over a second, only to lower it further still in the final. Two days later, Lucy Baron shaved a few hundredths from the 10 years Freestyle record.

The older age groups threw up two more: Andrew Wallace knocked a big chunk from former National team finalist Hywel Davies' 50m Breaststroke record; while in the 15 years freestyle, Ryan Farrell destroyed Andrew Davis' 3 year old record by over 2 seconds.

6Nov: Zoe's Treasure Trove

At the regional Disability Sport England championships at Ponds Forge, Zoe Clayton dominated her events with 3 Gold medals (Freestyle, Breaststroke, Backstroke).

3Nov: Adwick Tie in PL1

In their last PL1 meet of the year, Adwick's open girls snatch equal 1st with Hull in the very last race.

3Nov: Kevin - The Grand Master

Kev Nicholas continues to take the Masters world by storm, this time winning Silver at the ASA National Masters Championships.

In the 25-29 years age group, the Yorkshire squad member grabbed 2nd place in the 50m Freestyle. He just missed the medals in the 50m Breaststroke and Fly (4th in each).

Also competing was Alistair Davies in the young kids age group (19-24). Alistair managed 10th and 12th in the 50m Breaststroke and Freestyle respectively.

2Nov: BML Championships

It was the perfect opportunity for Doncaster's clubs to do battle over 50m after last month's Mets. An opportunity lost, as once again, Doncaster's clubs fail to take full teams to the Barnsley Minors Individual Champs.

Those who did go enjoyed a fast flowing meet and brought back loads of medals. Most finals included 1 or 2 Doncaster swimmers, but in all honesty, our teams should have dominated them all. It would be nice to see that happen next year!

Sep: Long Course Training?

If anyone is interested in additional long course training at Ponds Forge one weekend each month, get in touch.

29Sep: Battle of Doncaster

When South Hunsley failed to show, this PL2 match turned into an all Doncaster affair. Armthorpe won; the tight tussle for 2nd went Edlington's way; and Rossington finished 3rd.

28Sep: Swim off in BML4

Two wins and 640 points each, leaves SAS and CoWakefield with a swim-off to earn promotion to div 3.

22Sep: Tough for Adwick

Adwick's roller-coaster ride in Div 1 of the Pocklington League continues with 4th place at Scarborough.

21Sep: Nerves Jangle for SAS

A close tussle all year is set to finish on a knife edge. A win for SAS leaves the top two teams separated by just 2 points with a single gala to go!

19Sep: More Qualified Teachers

Congratulations to Rob Lowery (Spa), Kev Nicholas (Spa), and Dave Cuthbert (Edlington) for qualifying as ASA Teachers; and to Hop Davies (Edlington) for running yet another successful and enjoyable course.

And also to Isobelle Garth (Dearne Valley) for passing her ASA Teachers under the watchful eyes of Frances Dalrymple-Smith.

16Sep: More Water Polo Success

Another Wakefield & District league win leaves the Under 17s Doncaster team undefeated so far (18-11 against Morley). A team of newcomers took on Rotherham and won 14-11.

Three of the club's Under 13s attended NEC trials at Catterick. Rachel Drabble, Jonathan Birkby and Thomas Leach were all selected for the team.

9Sep: Medals at Leeds Small Fry

This early season junior meet usually sees DARTES winning hoards of medals, 2002 was no different.

India Marvin brought home a Gold in the 50m Breaststroke, while Nial Wainwright and Jessica Griffiths bagged a silver and bronze each. Jonathon Gatus was the other medal winner with a bronze in the 50m Freestyle.

The team events also witnessed our usual success, with 9 of our teams bringing medals back home to Doncaster.

DMASA Education Secretary

The post of Education Secretary to the DMASA has still not been filled. Anyone willing to take this on, please get in touch (use form below).

29Oct: Top Spot for DJWPC

Doncaster Junior Water Polo Club have won the Wakefield and District League at only their second attempt. The final game against joint leaders Sheffield (Ponds Forge) ended 8-8, which was all Doncaster needed to take the title on goal difference.

Scorers for Doncaster were Sarah Drabble (3), Ben Pacey (3), and former Top Boy at the Mets, James Lodge. Newcomer, Joe Rippon also scored one.

As well as this under 17s team, the club also has an established under 13s side, and hope to bring Senior and Ladies water polo to Doncaster within the next 12 months.

27Oct: Dartes AGM at Adwick

The Annual General Meeting of DARTES will be on Sunday at 6.30pm at Adwick. You are strongly advised to attend.

This is your chance to get involved in running the club and making sure your views are heard.

26Oct: Top 2 in BML1

The final BML1 clash of the year confirmed Armthorpe and Adwick as the top 2 clubs in the league.

22Oct: **Swim 21 Seminar**

Sally Skipper (Yorkshire SDO) will be hosting a Swim 21 seminar at St James pool on 22 October at 7pm. It is absolutely imperative that representatives from all Doncaster's clubs attend this meeting, please ensure that your club is represented.

21Oct: Half Term Training

Morning training this week at Hall Cross:
- Tue 22, 6:30 to 7:30 (am)
- Wed 23, 9:00 to 11:00 Field+Swim
- Thu 24, 6:30 to 7:30 (am)

20Oct: Armthorpe Domination

Weekend 2 of the DMASA Champs saw Armthorpe continue where they left off. Finishing with an overall victory by over 100 points.

19Oct: SAS Runners up in PL3

A brilliant final gala win secures SAS 2nd place in PL3, in only their 1st year in the league.

Oct: Kev Picked for Yorkshire

Yorkshire ASA have selected Kevin Nicholas again for their inter-counties team to do battle at the Harrogate Hydro (17 Nov).

Doncaster Water Polo coach, Brian Taylor, has also been selected for the squad after winning 4 Silver medals at the NEC Masters Champs: 50m, 100m, 200m Br, and 100m IM.

12Oct: Yorkshire Gold for Lizzie

Elizabeth Bevans continued her record breaking form from last weekend to take breastroke Gold at the Yorkshire Champs. Laura Henson picked up Silver in the Fly.

6Oct: New Record at Met Champs

Dearne Valley's Elizabeth Bevans broke Tamsin Hogben's 9 year old 13 years girls breaststroke record.

20Jul: Water Polo Star to Millfield

Ben Pacey of Edlington ASC and Doncaster Water Polo is attending the National Water Polo Academy at Millfield School for the best 28 players of his age group in the country.

14Jul: 5 in Top 8 at NEC Champs

Over the last two weekends, the North Eastern Counties age group championships have seen 5 of our swimmers finish top 8:
- Charelle McPherson 6th, 200m Backstroke
- Niall Wainwright 6th, 200m Breaststroke
- Gemma Wilson 8th, 200m Backstroke
- Rebecca Milnes 7th, 200m Freestyle
- Lizzie Bevans 7th, 100m Breaststroke

6Jul: SAS Slip in PL3

After snapping at the heels of South Holderness for 2 galas, the Sharks' lack of depth proves their undoing in gala 3.

Assistant Teacher Course

After the summer break, Edlington's ASA Tutor, Hop Davies, will be running a course leading to ASA Assistant Teacher. Either contact the webmaster, or Hop directly for more details.

Sarah to Trial for GB Water Polo

The reputation of Brian Taylor's Doncaster Water Polo Club hits new heights, with the news that Sarah Drabble (Edlington ASC) has been invited to attend a Great Britain trial at Walsall in September.

To find out how to get involved with Doncaster Water Polo Club, visit their website.

30 May: ** John Harriman **

John Harriman passed away in Doncaster Royal Infirmary on Thursday after a short illness.

A dedicated and hard working member of Askern Spa Swimming Club, John was one of the founders of the DARTES training scheme. He has served as the education secretary of the DMASA for a number of years, organising most of the training courses that have been run locally.

A truely nice man, John will be sorely missed by Doncaster's swimming community.

26 May: Not Quite There

For the 3rd BML2 gala running, Edlington and Rossington are left fighting over the minor places. Edlington 3rd, Rossington 4th.

25 May: Adwick tie for 1st

Adwick were held to a draw in Pocklington League division 1 by Scarborough. Spa snatched 3rd place by just 2 points over City of Wakefield.

23 May: Kev on Yorkshire Squad

Following his fine performances at last weekend's Yorkshire Masters, Kev Nicholas has been selected to represent Yorkshire in the Staffordshire ASA Inter county Masters championships on June 16th.

Any parents who want to have a go at Masters events should contact the webmaster. We are looking to enter a number of teams at the North Easterns in September.

Water Polo Success

Doncaster Water Polo's Ben Pacey has been selected to attend the National Academy for Water Polo in August at Millfield School. This places Ben in the top 28 players in the country at his age group.

His Doncaster Water Polo team mate, Sarah Drabble, has been selected to attend Grantham College to study for A-Levels and receive a guaranteed 15 hours Water Polo coaching under the supervision of Jim Caulfield, Coach to the Great Britain Ladies Team.

To find out how to get involved with Doncaster Water Polo Club, visit their website.

18 May: Masters of the Universe

After a few years absence, DARTES returned to the Yorkshire Masters championships in fine style: 7 Gold, 6 Silver, 4 bronze.

The medals started rolling in the very first event (200m fc) when Dave Cuthbert (25-29) took Silver, and continued when the 120+ years medley team (Spencer Binks, Kev Nicholas, Dave, and Mick Jeavons) snatched another Silver.

Our first Yorkshire champion of 2002, Alistair Davies, was crowned in the 50m Fc with Andrew Wallace taking Bronze (both 19-24), and Kev the Silver (25-29). Kev also took Silver in the 50m Fly.

The 100m Brs, 100m Fc, and 50m Brs saw Alistair and Andrew take 3 more Gold and Bronze medals, along with Kev's Gold in the 50m Brs.

A late charge by Spencer and Kev secured the 2nd team Silver of the day (Mick and Dave also swam), while Dave (100m Fly), and Andrew (100m IM) left it till their last events to join the list of Gold medalists. Kev made it a hat-trick of Silvers in the 100m IM.

The Doncaster Masters team also took part, with Brian Taylor (50-54 yrs) bringing home 2 Gold (50m & 100m Breaststroke) a Silver (100m IM), and a Bronze (200m Freestyle).

4/5 May: Alistair Makes NEC Final

The NEC Senior/Junior Championships witnessed Alistair Davies make the 50m Breaststroke final. Kev Nicholas also had 4 top 15 finishes.

29Jun: Adwick & Spa Take 2

Their 2nd meeting in two weeks, but a much better performance by Spa, although Adwick still came out on top due to a strong B team.

29Jun: Fun and Games for SAS

It was a case of spot the Yorkshire Finalist for South Axholme today, as Co Wakefield tried to pull a fast one to stay clear of the Sharks.

25Jun: Rules of the Sport Seminar

With all the recent rule changes in swimming there will be a special open forum 25 June at Parklands 19:30; any questions, come along.

23Jun: Busy Weekend Tells for Spa

After dominating BML3 in the first 2 galas, Spa's busy weekend tells its own tale as Chapeltown snatch their first win.

22Jun: Adwick & Spa in PL1

Close again for Adwick (3rd) and Scarborough, while Spa begin a nightmare weekend.

22Jun: A New Era for Edlington

Edlington pulled something special from the bag today, their first BML 2 win of the year. Rossington, division 2 strugglers all year, again settle for 4th.

22Jun: Tough Competition for SAS

South Axholme Sharks battled hard with South Holderness, but were pipped to the top spot by 9 points.

21Jun: Edlo Announce New Coach

Edlington have announced the appointment of Dave Cuthbert as their new head coach. He takes over in late July from temp coach Les Perkins who will move to head of teaching.

16Jun: Yorkshire Masters Squad

After their success at last month's Yorkshire Masters Champs, Kev Nicholas and Brian Taylor were selected for the Yorkshire Squad that won this weekend's intercounties meet.

Jun: Water Polo Success

Doncaster Junior Water Polo Club continue their undefeated campaign in the Wakefield & District League with a 9-9 draw against Sheffield.

Get involved with Doncaster Water Polo

Jun: New Head Coach at Edlington

Malc Morling has stepped down as head coach of Edlington. Les Perkins takes charge on a temporary basis but a new coach is expected to be confirmed shortly.

Jun: Durham - Tough Opponents

In search of tougher opposition, Doncaster Junior Water Polo Club played a friendly with Durham. Despite fielding a side weakened by exams, DJWPC managed a respectable 6 goals against Durham's 8.

DJWPC coach, Brian Taylor, will be joining our own Kev Nicholas on the Yorkshire Masters squad in June.

Get involved with Doncaster Water Polo

29 Mar: Hall Cross Closed

Due to lighting failure Hall Cross pool is now unavailable for swimming. Hopefully reopens Wednesday 10 April (current estimate).

24 Mar: Bronze for India

Rossington's India Marvin claimed DARTES' first medal (Bronze, 50m Bs) of this year's Yorkshire Championships.

24 Mar: 2 wins out of 2 for Edlo

An under strength Edlington team easily held off the challenge from Denaby to take their 2nd win of the 2002 Dinsdale 2 campaign.

23 Mar: So Close at Yorkshires

For the 2nd time this month, Laura Henson comes within 1 second of a 200m National Qualifying Time. After getting so close on 200m Freestyle (9th March), Laura swam the 200m Backstroke today and missed by 0.65.

Other swimmers making finals today were our top placed finisher Gemma Wilson (5th, 100m Bc) and Charelle McPherson (7th 50m Bc; 8th 200m Bc).

A special mention is also deserved by Aaron Williams (16th) and Rebecca Milnes (10th) for battling their way through a 400m IM.

15 Mar: Doncaster Schools 2nd

This year's Yorkshire schools swimming championships at Maltby, saw Doncaster miss out on 1st place by a single point:
1 - HULL 207
2 - DONCASTER 206
3 - ROTHERHAM 200
4 - LEEDS 163
5 - WAKEFIELD 141

3 Mar: Sharks' 200 Point Win!

South Axholme Sharks keep the pressure on Dinsdale 2 promotion rivals Edlington with a near 200 point win against Thorne Tigers.

28 Apr: Congratulations Hull

They beat CoLeeds to claim the North East's spot in the Speedo League A final, and they beat the rest of the country too. Full Story...

28 Apr: Armthorpe Win in Style

Fine performances at the Mets Teams (and deserved celebrations) put Armthorpe back at the top of Doncaster swimming. Congratulations to you all!

But enough with the trivialities, we all know the mens masters competition is what really counts. The Mighty Edlington Masters (double champions from 2001) came oh so close to defending both. A late surge by Armthorpe's Trev Eland and a disastrous anchor by some old guy for Edlington meant the honours were shared. Rematch, same place, next year!

Final points table. Congratulations to SAS too, for continuing their rise through the ranks.
1st: 167 - Armthorpe
2nd: 153 - Adwick
3rd: 80 - South Axholme Sharks
4th: 72 - Askern Spa
4th: 72 - Edlington
6th: 36 - Rossington
6th: 36 - Denaby (Dearne Valley)
Points provided by Kev Nicholas (Spa)

20 Apr: First PL2 of 2002

This year's Pocklington Div 2 contains 3 of our local teams. The first gala saw Rossington take 2nd while rivals Edlington snatch 3rd.

7 Apr: Medals at YASA Teams

Some fantastic results without some key swimmers who were away; everyone deserves credit.

Significant results were our top placed team, the 13yr boys medley, and BOTH the Boys and Girls 9/10yr teams who came 3rd at least once, showing that we have promise coming up through the age groups if we can sustain the interest.

Well done to all -- Mick Craighill.

12Jan: Spa Win First in Dinsdales!

Newly promoted Rossington suffered a home defeat in the first dual meet of Dinsdale Div 1 at the hands of Askern Spa.

12Jan: Great Start for our Clubs

In a fantastic start to 2002 for Doncaster's clubs, Armthorpe and Adwick finish 1-2 in the opening Barnsley Minors Div 1 encounter.

13Jan: ** Important Meeting **

Many thanks to all those who attended this evening, especially to those who made their views known.

Also, a special thank you to the guest speaker for an interesting and independent appraisal of Doncaster swimming.

19Jan: Edlington just beaten to 2nd

Promoted Edlington battled Barnsley tooth and nail but missed 2nd by just 2 points. Disappointingly, Rossington (last year's BML2 runners-up) were left trailing in 4th.

19Jan: Spa's 2nd Win in 2 Weeks

Spa continue their unbeaten start to the year with a comfortable victory in Division 3 of the Barnsley Minors League.

19Jan: Sharks Debut in BML4

In their very first appearance in the Barnsley Minors League, South Axholme Sharks are just pipped to first place by City of Wakefield.

Congratulations Mark!

Despite our best efforts to bring Mark to DARTES, it wasn't to be. Nevertheless, our congratulations on his recent appointment to the coaching team of the ASA World Class Start Scheme (in other words, the Junior National Squad).

27Jan: Armthorpe Outnumber Spa

Despite Spa A beating Armthorpe A by a single point, the visitor's strong B team secured overall victory.

27Jan: Top Club at Rotherham!

For the second year running, DARTES take the top club honours at the Rotherham B grade meet. Full results to follow...

3Feb: Edlington beat SAS

An early season Dinsdale Div 2 crunch match between the two promotion hopefuls, saw Edlington beat the ever improving South Axholme Sharks by over 40 points.

9Feb: Men Miss Out at Leeds

Despite winning heat 2 of the Junior/Senior Yorkshire champs mens freestyle team by a comfortable margin, our mens team (Kev, Dave Cuthbert, Michael Gartside, Alistair) just missed the medals; finishing 4th overall.

Earlier in the morning, Kevin Nicholas and Alistair Davies just missed out on final places (1st and 2nd reserve) in the sprint Breast. Kev also made the 50 Fly final, taking 6th place.

10Feb: More Yorkshire Finalists

Kev's form from day 1 continued in the 50 fc: 7th place. In a bizarre twist, former DARTES National Squad member, Sam Seddon (now Rotherham Metro), pulled out injured, allowing Alistair Davies (1st reserve) to join Kev in the final for 8th place.

The mens medley team (Andy Butterfield, Alistair, Kev, Dave) managed 6th, with Kev taking on the mighty James Hickman (City of Leeds) on the fly leg.

Congratulations to Leanne Stacey on her first ever top 8 Yorkshire finishes (8th in 50m & 200m Fc, 5th in 100m Fly).

17Feb: Sharks Bite their Nails

They were 2nd in their BML debut by just 3 points. Today's Pocklington League debut was a tie for 1st place. South Axholme Sharks have an exciting year ahead of them!

23Feb: Armthorpe Win Again!

In their first BML1 clash of the year, Armthorpe and Adwick took 1st and 2nd. Today's second gala saw a repeat performance, but with the Kingfishers stretching their winning margin.

24Feb: Tough Battle in BML2

Despite putting up a strong fight, Edlington couldn't quite keep on terms with the leaders. Rossington seem to be missing the spark which made them title challengers last year.

24Feb: Spa Set to Dominate BML3

Spa are looking set for a quick return to division 2 after securing victory number 2
with exactly the same score as their first.