13/12/2009 - Mixed Day for Under 16 Team

The Under 16 team had a mixed day on Sunday with 2 wins and 2 defeats from their 4 games. A 7-0 defeat of Hythe was followed by defeats by Croydon Amphibians (1-4), and Mid Sussex (2-3), before the team got themselves back on track with a 4-3 defeat over Worthing.

Without their star striker Jacob Tidy missing through injury, and with 2 other players missing, the team was always going to find it hard against league leaders Croydon Amphibians but the team defended well to limit the score to 1-3, and had their chances to level the score until another breakaway goal by CASC made it -4 in the dying seconds.

Sutton's scorers were Ace Taylor (5), Luke Mason (2), Michael Mason (2), Brooke Tafazolli (2), James DeBrunner (1), James McFarlane (1) and Eve Tidy (1).

The team: Mofe Wilkey, James DeBrunner, James McFarlane, Luke Mason, Brooke Tafazolli, Eve Tidy, Nicole Barron, Ace Taylor and Michael Mason.

13/12/2009 - Excellent Performance by Under 12 Team

An excellent performance by Sutton & Cheam's Under 12 team saw 2 wins and a draw from their 3 matches played on Sunday. A repeat of their earlier win over Mid Sussex gave the team the start they needed. This was followed by an excellent win over Hythe, reversing their 5-1 November defeat; and a well-deserved draw against Beckenham, which could easily have gone one better had chances been taken.

The much-improved performance was founded on an excellent defensive display by the whole team.

The Team: Natalie Andrew, George Brown, Ashley Castle, Matthew Helps, Ross James, James Maynard, Robert Nolan, Michael Rees, Adam Smith, Noah White

12/12/2009 - National Arena Swimming League 3

Although seeded 7th, a battling performance by Sutton & Cheam in the final round of the National Arena Swimming League placed the club 4th overall, though this wasn't enough to avoid relegation to Division 2.

The club had the misfortune to have a very tough draw in the first round which put them up against three of the top clubs in the Country; all of whom have subsequently reached the National finals. To put this into perspective, one of the clubs beaten by the club on Saturday, finished above them in the League (by virtue of a much easier first round draw), and remains in Division 1 for another year.

This doesn't detract from splendid individual performances from Eve Tidy, Ashley Castle and Ace Taylor, all taking first places; the Under 12 relay team of George Brown, Ross James, William Ward and Ashley Castle (winning both the Under 12 Freestyle and Medley Relays), and the Boys Under 16 Medley Relay team of Jason Foo Kune, Ace Taylor, James DeBrunner and Jacob Tidy, who also took top spot.

We'll be back next year!

The team: Natalie Andrew, Nicole Barron, Alfie Brown, George Brown, Danielle Carberry, Chris Carr, Ashley Castle, Killian Courtney, James De Brunner, Jason Foo Kune, Rosie Heape, Rebecca Hedges, Reanna Howells, Ellie James, Ross James, Elliot Kimber, Lois Martin, Samuel Rees, Alice Rogers, Brooke Tafazolli, Ace Taylor, Sophie Taylor, Eve Tidy, Jacob Tidy, William Ward & Juliette Williamson.

06/12/2009 - U14 Team

Although unable to sustain their great start to their 2009 Winter League campaign when several key players were missing through conflicting commitments, Sutton & Cheam's Under 14 team nonetheless came out of the weekend's Winter League tournament with a lot of credit.

A severely depleted team missing no less than 5 players played with a lot of character and determination to beat Mid Sussex/Crawley 6-2, before succumbing to Watford 2-0, and Croydon Amphibians 8-3. The result against Watford did not truly reflect the game as several excellent scoring chances were wasted. Similarly the team fought back from 7-0 behind back to 7-3, before conceding an 8th goal just before the final whistle as they began to tire. Despite the result, the team improved throughout the tournament and will learn from the experience. Coach Stephen Bayles was proud of the way they fought, never gave up and gave it everything they had.

Scorers: Matthew Helps (4), Kieran Castle (3), Louis Creamore (1), Jack Short (1)

The team: Kieran Castle, Christopher Creamore, Louis Creamore, Matthew Helps, James Maynard, Jack Short, Isaac Tidy and Mofe Wilkey

05/06 December - Medal Haul at Guildford

Sutton & Cheam swimmers returned from the Guildford City Open with an impressive 28 medals, 76 top eight places and 98 County Qualifying times between them. Coaches Jim Walker and Helen Andrews were delighted with the performance, which placed the club in overall 8th spot.

Star of the show was 9 year-old George Brown with 4 golds, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals, all in County Qualifying times, earning him "Top Boy" in his age group. Ace Taylor was back to winning form taking 2 gold medals for the 50 and 200 metres breaststroke; with Jake Meffan taking gold in the age 13 50-Metre Breaststroke. Other silver medals were won by Chris Carr, Jake Meffan, Michael Rees, Ace Taylor and William Ward (2) and bronze medals by Chris Carr, Ashley Castle (3), Killian Courtney, Elliot Kimber, Robert Mason, Michael Rees, Brooke Tafazolli and Jacob Tidy.

The team: Natalie Andrew, Nicole Barron, Alfie Brown, George Brown, Harry Brown, Chris Carr, Ashley Castle, Killian Courtney, James De Brunner, Jason Foo Kune, Katie Heape, Ellie James, Ross James, Maddison Kameta, Elliot Kimber, Robert Mason, Daisy Meffan, Louis Meffan, Jake Meffan, Michael Rees, Samuel Rees, Adam Smith, Brooke Tafazolli, Ace Taylor, Olivia Taylor, Eve Tidy, Jacob Tidy, William Ward, Noah White.

05/12/2009 - Inter Counties U14

Not to be outdone by their older club mates, Sutton & Cheam's Under 14 players similarly joined Croydon Amphibians to help Surrey to yet another victory in the Inter Counties Championships on Saturday, again retaining last year's title with an unbeaten record.

Wins over Kent (7-1 & 6-1) and Sussex (8-2 & 5-1) gave them an easy win over Sussex with Kent in 3rd place.

This was a real team performance with every player contributing to the score sheet apart from goalkeeper Mofe Wilkey who kept the opposition at bay; making two outstanding penalty saves in the game against Sussex. Sutton scorers were Alfie Brown (2), Kieran Castle (2), Reanna Howells (1), Sam Rees (1) and Eve Tidy (1).

The Team: Alfie Brown (S&C), Kieran Castle (S&C), Reanna Howells (S&C), Sam Rees (S&C), Eve Tidy (S&C), Mofe Wilkey (S&C), Matthew Brooks (CASC), Joshua Capon (CASC), Anthony Desouza (CASC), Kevin Girard (CASC), Josh Hampson (CASC), Tor Wheeler (CASC).

28/29 November - Sutton & Cheam win promotion to Division One

After an absence of 10 years, Sutton & Cheam will return to the top flight of British Water Polo next season, following two more victories at Bath over the weekend, which ensured the Division 2 Championships.

Sutton, founder members of the NWPL in 1962 and champions on six occasions, were relegated from Division 1 in 2000, and spent five seasons in Division Two and one in Division Three before successfully rebuilding with a blend of experience and a strong youth development policy to build a new squad.

Sutton needed three points from the weekend to ensure top spot and to leave Polytechnic in second place. With ex-Hungarian international Gergely Fulop in fine form - he contributed no less than 17 goals - they defeated Leeds 18-6 and Sheffield 11-5.

Head Coach Dave Andrews commented, " The final table says it all. We scored the most goals over the season and conceded the least. It was a series of great team performances that gave us the title and we should all be proud of what we have achieved. The team has grown over the season and we are better players now than when the campaign started and the challenge is now the 2010 season"

The club's only defeat this season was against Polytechnic, who finished runners-up and now have a chance to bid for promotion in a play-off against the ninth-placed side in Division One.

Sutton & Cheam Squad: Bryce Anderson, Kieran Bayles, Stephen Bayles, Mike Bradford, Neil Coles, Greg Dodds, Chris Evans, Ed Freeman, Gergely Fulop, Steve Green, Matt Holland, Andrew Lawrence, Josh Maclean, Alex Smith, Mike Smith, Mark Zumbuehl. Coach: Dave Andrews.

22/11/2009 - Win for Surrey in Inter Counties U16

Some of Sutton & Cheam Under 16 players once more joined forces with local rivals Croydon Amphibians to represent Surrey County at the Inter Counties Under 16 Championships 2009 last Sunday.

Wins over Middlesex (5-3), Kent (10-4), Hants (10-1) and Sussex (10-3) retained the title for Surrey.

Star of the show was Jacob Tidy (S&C) who scored an astonishing 14 goals in the 4 games. He was joined by Ace Taylor (3), James DeBrunner (1) and James McFarlane (1)

Sutton & Cheam: Jacob Tidy, Brooke Trafazolli, Ace Taylor, James DeBrunner, James Mcfarlane.
Croydon Amphibians: Matthew Pepper, Will Jackson, James Mulcahey, Ben Dubben, Tom Andrews, Tom Danielson

18/11/2009 - Sutton & Cheam gains Swim 21 Accreditation

	Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club are proud to announce that after a rigorous assessment by Jemma Konuralp (London Region's Swim 21 Quality Coordinator), the National Swim21 Panel has awarded
the club with Swim 21 status; accrediting the club as; Swimming; Teaching and Skill development; Water Polo; Teaching.

Although we are now one of more than 300 accredited clubs nationally, we are accredited for both swimming and water polo; one of only 12 water polo clubs in the country; and one of only two London-based water polo clubs, with Swim 21 accreditation.

At the same time, the club has been awarded the prestigious "Clubmark" status; a National cross-sports Quality Accreditation scheme for proven high quality clubs with junior sections.

Gaining accreditation was hard work but well worth the effort; as we are now well set for the future. "Swim 21 is a journey - not a destination" and we are keen to continue developing the club, and its members, still further.

18/11/2009 - Brooke Selected for GB Women's Youth Squad

Sutton & Cheam's Brooke Tafazolli has made history by becoming the club's first female international, when she was recently selected for the Great Britain Women's Youth Squad. Fourteen-year-old Brooke (a pupil at Nonsuch High School for Girls) has only been playing for a little over two years. In that time however, Brooke has achieved quite a pedigree. Water Polo is a sport where girls and boys can compete together until 15. As such Brooke has helped Sutton & Cheam to numerous titles; often competing against all boys teams:

• Winter League U14 2007/8 - Champions
• London League U15 2008 - Champions
• Winter League Under 14 2008/9 - 2nd

In addition, despite her age, Brooke has played in Sutton & Cheam's Junior Ladies teams in open competition helping them to:

• London League Ladies Div 2 2008 - Champions
• Winter League Ladies U18 2008/9 - Champions
• Ladies Under 21 2009 - Champions

and has also helped Surrey to the Under 14 Inter Counties Title in 2008; and the Under 16 Inter Counties title in 2009; the only girl in the team.

Brooke also took part in the inaugural Water Polo event at the 2009, Balfour Beatty Youth Games, where she helped the team to the Gold medal.

15/11/2009 - Great Start to the season for Under 14 Team

Sutton & Cheam's Under 14 team got their Winter League off to a good start, remaining undefeated after the first tournament of the season at Whitgift on Sunday. Wins against Mid Sussex /Crawley (3-1), West London/Ealing 3-2) and a 2-2 draw against Beckenham was enough to keep the team in second place (on goal difference) in the table.

The performance was a great team effort though if anyone should be singled out, it should be goalkeeper Mofe Wilkey who was outstanding; making key saves in every game.

The team: Alfie Brown, Ashley Castle, Kieran Castle, Christopher Creamore, Louis Creamore, Matthew Helps, Reanna Howells, Sam Rees, Eve Tidy, Isaac Tidy and Mofe Wilkey

14/15 November - S&C Lose 100% Record

Sutton & Cheam lost their 100 % record at Millfield School on Sunday, losing narrowly to London rivals Polytechnic 7-5 in a close fought match.

With two key players short from injury and suspension, Sutton & Cheam were led 3-6 by Polytechnic going into the last quarter when two goals by Kieran Bayles put Poly under real pressure for the first time. Poly's defence held out, however, and added a seventh goal just before the final whistle. In the end, Sutton & Cheam paid the penalty for missing seven out of eight man-ups

However, needing just 3 points from games against City of Leeds and City of Sheffield in the final weekend of the season later this month, Sutton are still favourites to clinch automatic promotion.

Earlier, Sutton beat Invicta Marlins 10-2. Then they won their derby against Croydon Amphibians, racing into a 9-1 half-time lead before easing up and winning 13-6. Stephen Bayles scored five.

12/11/2009 - Hatful of medals at the Borough Championships

Sutton's Annual Borough Swimming Championships was run as a graded meet for the first time this year and Sutton & Cheam swimmers took full advantage taking 16 Gold, 17 Silver and 6 bronze medals between them; winning at least one medal in every event they entered except one.

First places went to Brooke Tafazolli, Eve Tidy, Harry Brown (2), James De Brunner (3), Olivia Taylor (2), Ace Taylor, Killian Courtney (2), Samuel Rees (2), Jacob Tidy and the Men's Club Relay.

Second places for Alfie Brown (2), Brooke Tafazolli (2), Christopher Carr (3), Eve Tidy, Harry Brown, Isaac Tidy, Killian Courtney, Nicole Barron, Rebecca Hedges, Robert Mason (3) and Rosie Heape

and third places for Alfie Brown, Eve Tidy, Isaac Tidy, Jacob Tidy, Olivia Taylor, Rosie Heape

Particularly pleasing was the performance of the Men's relay team who won the Harry Tate relay over local rivals Cheam Marcuda by a whopping 23-second margin. The Girl's relay team unfortunately failed to follow suit. Although finishing the race in pole position, they were disappointingly disqualified for a faulty take-over, handing the event to their rivals.

08/11/2009 - Second in the table for Under 16 Team

Sutton & Cheam's Under 16s opened their 2009 Winter League campaign with 3 wins out of 4 on Sunday to place them 2nd in the Winter League table.

Wins over Worthing (7-0), Mid Sussex/Crawley (8-2), Hythe (5-2) were followed by a defeat to Croydon Amphibians (3-6), which was closer than the score line suggested after several squandered chances.

Scorers J.Tidy (9), J.DeBrunner (5), A.Taylor (4); Eve Tidy (2), Ben Corbett (2) and Michael Mason (1)

The team: Mofe Wilkey, Jacob Tidy, James McFarlane, James DeBrunner, Luke Mason, Brooke Tafazolli, Eve Tidy, Michael Mason, Ben Corbett and Ace Taylor

01/11/2009 - Mixed Results for Under 12 team

Sutton & Cheam's new guard had a mixed day at the opening tournament of the season at Whitgift on Sunday. A crushing win over Mid Sussex/Crawley 8-1 in the first game got them off to a great start though defeats by Hythe 1-5 and Beckenham 1-2, were at first glance disappointing.

However, most of the team were playing in their first competitive game and with more than half the team eligible to compete in the same age group competition next year, this was an encouraging start to their water polo careers.

Sutton's scorers were George Brown (2), Ashley Castle (4), Matthew Helps (3) and Michael Rees (1)

The team: Natalie Andrew, George Brown, Ashley Castle, Matthew Helps, Ross James, James Maynard, Joe Phillpott-Clark, Michael Rees, Robbie Rogers, Adam Smith, Noah White

30/10/2009 - More Medals for Isaac

Sutton and Cheam's Isaac Tidy was selected to represent the London Borough of Sutton at the recent London Inter-Borough Disability Gala held at the Mile End Leisure Centre, and against some strong opposition, won the Boys Under 16 50m backstroke. Lewisham finished top with 146 points, squeezing past Greenwich and Sutton in the last few races; Sutton finished a creditable 3rd despite missing a number of key swimmers.

24/25 October - Rushmoor Royals Open, Aldershot

23 Sutton & Cheam Swimmers returned from the Rushmoor Royals Open Gala at the weekend with no less than 43 top 8 places, and 46 County Qualifying times between them.

There were gold medals for William Ward, James DeBrunner, Michael Rees and Chris Carr; silvers for James BeDrunner (2) and Jacob Tidy; together with bronze medals for Harry Brown and Chris Carr.

The team: Alfie Brown, Ashley Castle, Brooke Tafazolli, Chris Carr, Daisy Meffan, Eve Tidy, George Brown, Harry Brown, Jacob Tidy, Jake Meffan, James Debrunner, Joe Phillpott-Clark, Katie Heape, Killian Courtney, Louis Meffan, Maddison Kameta, Michael Rees, Natalie Andrew, Noah White, Olivia Taylor, Rosie Heape, Samuel Rees, William Ward

17/18 October - S&C Maintain 100% Record

Sutton & Cheam, National League champions on six occasions between 1967 and 1990, are making a strong bid for a return to the big time after further success at the latest Division Two weekend at Lancaster.

Sutton made it 9 wins from 9 matches with three more very comfortable victories at Lancaster's Salt Ayre Pool on 17/18 October. Hungarian Gergely Fulop scored five as the team warmed up with a 15-4 defeat of London rivals Otter.

Then six from Swiss international Mark Zumbuehl and five more from Fulop proved too much for Birkenhead, who also went down 15-4.

Sutton's weekend programme concluded with a local derby a very long way from home against Croydon Amphibians. This time the margin was 16-3.

03/04 October - Still on track

The Club’s first team maintained their 100% record in this year’s National Water Polo League with three more victories at Loughborough; opening up a 4-point gap at the top of the table ahead of nearest rivals Croydon Amphibians, Polytechnic and Sheffield. With three weekends and eight matches left the team are in pole position to return to the first division of the premier competition in Britain.

The weekend started with a tight 6 - 5 victory over Sheffield, the only other club with a 100% record, this was followed by a 9 - 7 victory over London rivals Polytechnic and finished with a clear 16 - 8 win over Invicta Marlins; the bottom-placed club.

Against Polytechnic, Sutton were always narrowly ahead. Their lead was cut to 7-6 at one point in the third quarter , but six goals by Mark "Choccy" Zumbüehl, who played for his country in the recent European B Championships, made certain of both points.

The next event is in Lancaster on the 17th and 18th October where the team will meet, among others, local rivals Croydon Amphibians.

You can keep track of the team’s performance and league standing by visiting the National Water Polo League website.

26/09/2009 - Bracknell Diddy Gala

Sutton & Cheam's junior swimming team finished an encouraging 3rd place (just) in Saturdays Diddy Gala at Bracknell.

The team got off to a great start with individual first places for April Hedges (Girls Under 10 Free and Fly), Ashley Castle (Boys Under 12 Freestyle), George Brown (Boys Under 10 Breast & Free), Joe Phillpott-Clark (Boys Under 12 Back), Michael Rees (Boys Under 10 Back & Fly), Natalie Andrew (Girls Under 11 Fly), Rosie Heape (Girls Under 13 Free & Back), William Ward (Boys Under 11 Breast & Back) and the Boys Under 19 Medley and Freestyle Relay teams of Michael Rees, Harry Walter, Robert Nolan and George Brown.

After some very close racing, numerous 2nd places eventually placed the team 3rd just 3 points behind home team Bracknell in 2nd and 15 points behind the 1st placed team Leander.

This was a great effort by the team, especially as many of them were competing in their first competitive gala.

Well done to: Louise Ager, Natalie Andrew, Roisin Bowden, Alfie Brown, George Brown, Danielle Carberry, Ashley Castle, Harry Crook, Lauren Fisher, Abigail Fraser, Katie Heape, Rosie Heape, April Hedges, Chantelle Keung-Freeman, Lois Martin, Daisy Meffan, Louis Meffan, Robert Nolan, Joe Phillpott-Clark, Michael Rees, Sam Rees, Oliver Sagrott, William Ward, Noah White, Juliette Williamson.

Also a big thank you to Bracknell & Wokingham SC for their hospitality on the night!

19/20 September - 100% at first NWPL weekend

Sutton & Cheam got the 2009 National Water Polo League off to a great start with 3 wins out of 3 over the weekend at Loughborough. Sutton beat Leeds 6-4 - after trailing 4-3 at half-time - and Birkenhead 6-3 before hammering Otter 11-4, including three goals in the last period by ex-GB forward Chris Evans.

5 - 13 September European 'B's Water Polo Finals Lugano

Sutton & Cheam's Matt Holland was in action recently in the European 'B' Championship finals held in Lugano, Switzerland.

Wins over the The Netherlands (8-7), Switzerland (19-10), Malta (11-6), Poland (13-5) and a narrow defeat by Georgia (9-10) in the group stages , were enough to put GB on top of their group. A disappointing defeat by Turkey (6-15) in the semi-final and a defeat by the Netherlands (4-9), reversing the earlier win, finally put the GB team into 4th place in the Championships.

07/09/2009 London Region ASA Awards for Matt Holland and Dave Andrews

The LRASA has just announced its awards for the current year and the Club has won both of the water polo awards:

Athlete of the Year: Matt Holland

Matt belongs to the Sutton and Cheam water polo club. He is a committed and talented young athlete and likely to be one of the very few included in the 2012 Great Britain Men’s team that competes in the London Olympics from London.

He attends Leeds University but attends training at Manchester most days, in itself no mean commitment to his sport.

He has achieved his position in the national set up despite playing for a team in the second division of the national water polo league. That is also a great achievement as it is unusual for players outside the top division to make the grade due to the standard of the regular competition that they face.

Coach of the Year: David Andrews.

David coaches the Sutton and Cheam water polo teams, both junior and senior. David’s achievements in the domestic game as a coach are significant.

In a time when most of the London clubs have acquired and used foreign born players to strengthen their teams, David has spent nearly 10 successfully rebuilding the water polo side of the club with a mix of homegrown youngsters and a clutch of experienced players. Since 2000, with Dave's help, the club has established a strong Sutton team in the second division of the National Water Polo League, and in the process has developed international standard players, the pinnacle of whom in recent years is Matt Holland.

David’s coaching achievements are on top of not inconsiderable playing successes in his days as a player with Sutton and Cheam's National Championship winning sides.

04/09/2009 - Quiz night a huge success

The Club helds its first quiz evening last Friday and around 100 Club members, parents and friends attended. Jamie and Lynn Robinson were our quiz masters and did a superb job (they have already been asked to prepare for next years event!). The competition was keenly fought with the lead changing hands on a number of occassions during the night.

The winning team was finally announced as the "A TEAM" comprising the Andrews, the Agers and the Andrew families (pictured below with their winners bottle of bubbly).

In second place came the "Coaches" with the "Jammy Dodgers" and "Quiz Akabusi" close behind.

The award for the "clever clogs" of the night went to Gareth DeBrunner who scored 10 bonus points for knowing Queen Victoria had nine children AND remarkably, what each of their names were!!

Apart from everyone having a great evening the event raised over £300 to go towards the ever increasing cost of engraving and medals for the upcoming Club Championships.

09/08/2009 - Mick Helps completes Windermere Two-way swim

Sutton & Cheam's Mick Helps duly completed another of his self-inflicted endurance challenges for charity with a successful two-way completion of Windermere in the Lake District - and all this AT NIGHT!

At 10.5 miles long, Windermere is the largest natural lake in England. To turn round and swim back to the start becomes something of a challenge.

Mick and his crew (Paul Hoskins and Greg Dodds), met at 5:00 am Saturday morning and travelled the 300 miles from Surrey to Windermere. Mick duly completed the two-way "Monster Swim" challenge in 13 hours 53 minutes and 33 seconds swimming through the night finishing at 8.30am Sunday morning in 7th place overall.

Even Mick found this one hard commenting "this swim was as tough as any swim I have ever done with less than adequate preparation and a very long and cold night swim making it very demanding".

Having finished the swim, it didn't just end there. With the long trip back home it turned out to be a continuous round trip of 36 hours! See www.thehelps.co.uk for more details.

24 - 26 July - Sutton Players win in Switzerland

Sutton and Cheam first team players Kieran Bayles and Andrew "The Mole" Lawrence recently attended the annual Frosch Ageri water polo tournament in Switzerland. They tied up with Swiss National team captain Mark "Choccy" Zumbüehl and Hungarian superstar Gergely Fulop to win the event.

S&C and Frosch Ageri have forged strong links over the years with Choccy (pictured with Mole and Kieran) playing for Sutton in 10 National League campaigns since 1999 and Gergely contributing since 2005.

Both Choccy and Gergely will again be playing for Sutton in this year's National League campaign.

18 & 19 July Fareham Nomads Open Summer Meet, Southampton

Sutton & Cheam swimmers returned from the Fareham Open with a hatful of medals at the weekend, and with 6 swimmers in the top 8 of their age groups. Jacob Tidy swam fantastically, gaining a top four position in all of his nine races to finish in a magnificent first place in his age group.

Michael Rees and George Brown managed to win 9 trophies between them in the 6 events entered; achieving second and third positions respectively, in their age groups; with William Ward in 6th place. Lyndsey Robinson achieved third position in her age group. In the 100m Butterfly, Rebecca Hedges finished second and Reanna Howells finished third in each of their age groups.

Overall, Sutton and Cheam finished in a well-earned seventh place, which included some remarkable performances from individual swimmers, many of whom achieved personal best times.

Helen Andrews, Junior Squad Coach, commented " this was a great team performance with some fantastic individual swims at the end of a long hard season'".

Fareham swimmers - Samuel Baker, Alfie Brown, George Brown, Killian Courtney, Rosie Heape, Rebecca Hedges, Reanna Howells, Elliot Kimber, Daisy Meffan, Jake Meffan, Louis Meffan, Joe Phillpott-Clark, Michael Rees, Samuel Rees, Charlotte Reynolds, Lyndsey Robinson, Adam Smith, Brooke Tafazolli, Ace Taylor, Sophie Taylor, Eve Tidy, Jacob Tidy, William Ward & Elisabeth Williamson.

12/07/2009 - Under 15 Team top the table

Despite the loss of top scorer James DeBrunner, and Harry Brown through injury, Sutton & Cheam's Under 15 team beat Watford (3-1 & 5-1) and Sevenoaks (5-0) at Watford on Sunday to remain in joint top spot with just one more tournament to go in the year's London League.

Luke Mason top scored with 5, with Joseph Jefferys and Eve Tidy (3 each), Brook Tafazolli and James Macfarlane with the goals and Mofe Wilkey performing his usual heroics in goal to save a penalty in the 3-1 win over Watford.

The Team: Mofe Wilkey, Luke Mason, Joseph Jefferys, James McFarlane, Jack Short, Kieran Castle, BrookTafazolli, Eve Tidy, Reanna Howells, Nicole Barron.

05/07/2009 - Ladies Under 21 Title for Sutton & Cheam

With key players missing including goal keeper Amy Styles, the final league game of the year was always going to be tough but Sutton & Cheam's young team fought back from an 8 goal deficit to close the gap to just 2, to record their only defeat of the season 8-10 to an on-form Croydon/Beckenham side.

Despite this defeat , Sutton & Cheam had already done enough earier in the season to retain the League title.

The Team: Sophie Ovens, Ellie Quin, Louise Bampton, Alice Rogers, Georgina Pashler, Brooke Tafazolli, Nicole Barron, Reanna Howells, Eve Tidy

05/07/2009 - Youth Games Water Polo Team take the Gold.

Watched by Leader of Sutton Council, Councillor Sean Brennan; Sutton's new Mayor; Councillor Margaret Court, Councillor Graham Tope, Executive Member For Community Safety, Leisure And Libraries and Colin Beech Executive Head of Leisure & Libraries at Sutton Council, Sutton & Cheam's Under 14 team representing Sutton, went one better than their younger club mates winning 4 games out of 4, to take the gold medal in the Balfour Beatty Youth Games Inaugural Demonstration Water Polo tournament on Sunday.

Wins over Croydon (6-1 & 8-0) and City of London (4-2 and 4-3) resulted in the enviable record Played 4, Won 4, Goals for 22 Goals against 6).

Top scorer for the tournament (and Sutton) was Jacob Tidy with an astonishing 11 goals, followed by James DeBrunner (4), James Mcfarlane (3), Ferne O'Brien (2), Nicole Barron (1) and Reanna Howells (1).

The games against City of London were particularly tight, superb defence by Brooke Tafazolli, Eve Tidy and Mofe Wilkey in particular kept them out.

6 of the players are eligible to play in the same competition next year.

The Team: Mofe Wilkey, Jacob Tidy, James McFarlane, Nicole Barron, Jack Short, Ferne O'Brien, Brooke Tafazolli, Eve Tidy, Reanna Howells and James DeBrunner.

05/07/2009 - More Success at the Godalming Open

Eleven Sutton & Cheam swimmers returned from the Godalming Open at the weekend, having reached 29 finals and taking 6 Gold, 3 Silver and 3 Bronze Medals between them. Star of the show was Jake Meffan who took 4 individual Golds and a Bronze Medal; all in personal best times to take the Top Boy Award in his age group. Well done Jake!

The Team: Natalie Andrew, Alfie Brown, Kieran Castle, Jake Meffan, Louisa Keogh, Beth Kirby, Louis Meffan, Josephine McGreevy, Daisy Meffan, Isabel Kirby, Harry Brown

02/07/2009 - Silver Medal for Mini Polo Team

Representing the London Borough of Sutton, Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club's mini water polo team finished a fighting second in London Mini Games on Thursday, even though they were younger than their rivals in the event.

Representing the London Borough of Sutton, Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club's mini water polo team finished a fighting second in London Mini Games on Thursday, even though they were younger than their rivals in the event.

Sutton's route to success was far from straight forward because when Sutton were first asked to select a team, they had a squad too young to meet the entry requirements. However Sutton were keen to play their part in the inaugural appearance of the sport at the games so the organisers agreed to allow the Sutton youngsters, some 3 to 4 years younger than their opponents, to compete.

No fewer than 6 of the team are eligible to play next year and the youngest players; April Hedges and Ben Humphries, will still be eligible in 2012!

Coaches Mickey Helps and Richard Humphries said of their performance "To finish as high as they did was a great team result on its own but to do it with such young players showed great character and spirit from this team. They should be very proud of what they have just taken part in and achieved."

Squad: Natalie Andrew, April Hedges, George Brown, Natasha Gomm, Ben Humphries, Michael Rees, Matthew Helps, Bethan Helps, Isaac Tidy, Sam Rees, James Maynard, Ashley Castle.

02/07/2009 - Mini Games Medals for Ashley

Sutton & Cheam's Ashley Castle (2nd from left) had a busy day in the Mini Games on Thursday. Representing Sutton against the other London Boroughs, Ashley helped the relay team to a Gold medal in the medley relay and another Silver medal in the freestyle relay, both in personal best times.

Not content with that, Ashley then joined the Mini Polo team to yet another Silver Medal. Not bad for an afternoons work!

17/05/2009 - Sutton & Cheam swimmers in National Biathlon Finals

Immediately after the presentation of the Premier League Division 2 trophy in Basingstoke,Sutton & Cheam swimmers Adam Smith and James DeBrunner raced up to Macclesfield, Cheshire for the National Biathlon Finals on the following day. On the start at 8:30 am, the run was 1000m around a very windy track, with a 50m swim for Adam and a 100m swim for James. Adam finished in 10th place and James 19th in their respective categories.

16/05/2009 - Sutton & Cheam win Hants & South Coast Premier League in style

Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club celebrated a fantastic first place victory in the Hants & South Coast Premier League gala last weekend. The whole team gave a terrific performance and were ecstatic with their splendid achievement. Nicole Barron and James De Brunner (Team Captains) proudly collected the trophy on behalf of the whole team.

With 14 wins and top two places in over half the events, (including all but two of the relays), victory was fairly comfortable. The performance by the relay teams and the Under 10s were particularly pleasing as they show the real strength in depth of the club.

Individual wins by William Ward, Michael Rees, George Brown, Joe Philpott-Clark (2), Ashley Castle (2), Chloe Bartram, Reanna Howells, Charlotte Reynolds and James Debrunner; together with relay wins by the Under 12 freestyle relay team and the 9 years medley and free relays helped set up the win but this was a real team effort in which every point counted and to which everyone contributed.

Delighted Junior Squad Coach, Helen Andrews commented: "'What was particularly pleasing was not only our individual succesess but our relay results too, which showed the strength and depth that the club is developing".

The winning team consisted of Natalie Andrew, Nicole Barron, Chloe Bartram, Alfie Brown, George Brown, Harry Brown, Ashley Castle, Killian Courtney, James De Brunner, Abigail Fraser, Rosie Heape, Reanna Howells, Chantelle Keung-Freeman, Jake Meffan, Joe Phillpott-Clark, Michael Rees, Samuel Rees, Charlotte Reynolds, Rebecca Salter, Adam Smith, Brooke Tafazolli, Eve Tidy, William Ward and Juliette Williamson.

12/05/2009 - Under 15 team share top spot in the London League

Despite being 3 players short, wins against Hythe (6-4), Basingstoke (2-1) and Worthing (5-2); and a narrow defeat to local rivals Croydon Amphibians (3-4), took Sutton & Cheam's Under 15 water Polo team to joint top of the London Water Polo League on Sunday. James DeBrunner top-scored with 4 goals; with Brooke Tafazolli, Joseph Jefferys and Luke Mason not far behind with 3 goals each.

Further goals from Harry Brown, Eve Tidy and Jack Short contributed to the wins with Kieran Castle showing his versatility by taking over goal-keeping duties with regular keeper Mofe Wilkey unavailable for the first game. The final game against Croydon was a very close affair with the team coming from 4-1 behind to almost snatching a draw with the last shot of the game.

The team: Mofe Wilkey, Harry Brown, Joseph Jefferys, James DeBrunner, Luke Mason, Brooke Tafazolli, Eve Tidy, Kieran Castle, Jack Short.

09 & 10/05/2009 - Further successes at the Beckenham Open

The Beckenham Open Gala produced 13 finallists but only 4 podium places for Matt Amis (2nd 200m breast), Jason Foo-Kune (3rd 50m back); Rosie Heape and Ashley Castle (both 3rd in the 50m free) over the weekend. There were further narrow misses for Matt Amis who finished 4th in both the 50m and 100m breast.

Other finallists were Ace Taylor (50m, 100m, 200m breast), James DeBrunner (400m individual medley), Ashley Castle (100m free and 100m back), Jason Foo Kune (100m back) and Eve Tidy (200m back).

08/05/2009 - Ashley takes Gold for Surrey Schools

After winning the Surrey Interdistrict primary schools title representing Sutton Primary Schools back in April, Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club's Ashley Castle was duly selected to represent Surrey Primary Schools against Kent at Sevenoaks Leisure Centre on Saturday; helping them to victory by a comfortable win in the 50m freestyle event. Well done Ashley!

02, 03 & 04/05/2009 - London Region Championships

Six swimmers from Sutton & Cheam (Ace Taylor, Rebecca Hedges, Elliot Kimber, Matt Amis, Lyndsey Robinson and Sam Baker) competed with the best in the London Region Championships at Crystal Palace over the weekend, qualifying for 18 events and reaching seven finals.

Matt Amis narrowly missed out on the bronze in the 100m breast, finishing 4th in a fast time, and also finished 5th in the 200m breast event. Rebecca Hedges (50m and 100m butterfly), Ace Taylor (50m breast) and Lyndsey Robinson (200m individual medley), also reached the top 6.

26/04/2009 - Junior Girls team top the London Water Polo League

After a really tight game against Croydon/Beckenham earlier in the month, Sutton & Cheam/Hailsham expected the same in the return fixture.
However a superb performance saw the combined team race to a 6-1 lead by half time and an emphatic 10-3 win at full time to top the London League Under 21 table.

This was a remarkable performance made all the more remarkable as the oldest in the team is just 17 years of age and the youngest, only 12. Alice Rogers top-scored with 4, with Georgina Pashler not far behind with 3 goals. Further goals from Ellie Quin, Louise Bampton and Brooke Tafazolli completed the scoring, whilst Amy Styles excelled once more in goal to save a penalty. Excellent defence again from Sophie Ovens, Nicole Barron, Reanna Howells, Eve Tidy and the whole team limited the opposition to few scoring chances.

The team: Amy Styles, Sophie Ovens, Ellie Quin, Louise Bampton, Alice Rogers, Georgina Pashler, Brooke Tafazolli, Nicole Barron, Reanna Howells, Eve Tidy.

25/04/2009 - Rother League Round 1 Gala

Sutton and Cheam Swimming Club achieved great success in the recent Rother League Round 1 gala and, despite being up against tough competition, attained a well-deserved 2nd place.

Of particular note, George Brown, Charlotte Reynolds, Noah White and two of the relay teams displayed superb swims and gained first positions. Many swimmers also accomplished personal best times and Chantelle Keung-Freeman and Harry Crook presented excellent debut swims for the club.

Helen Andrews, Junior Squad Coach, was delighted with the result and commented:

'The result was fantastic especially as we were missing several swimmers who were representing the borough in another gala. Second place showed the leap forward we have made following the arrival of our new club coach Jim Walker.'

The team consisted of U11- Natalie Andrew, George Brown, Harry Crook, Chantelle Keung-Freeman, Isabel Kirby, Daisy Meffan, Michael Rees & Noah White. U13- Alfie Brown, Chloe Bartram, Killian Courtney, Rosie Heape, Ellie James, Samuel Rees & Charlotte Reynolds. U15- Nicole Barron, Harry Brown, James De Brunner, Reanna Howells, Luke Mason, Jake Meffan, Brooke Tafazolli & Eve Tidy. Open- Matthew Amis, Rebecca Hedges, Elliot Kimber, Robert Mason, Lyndsey Robinson, Sophie Taylor, Jacob Tidy & Elisabeth Williamson.

05/04/2009 - Junior Ladies Water Polo Team win again

Sutton & Cheam/Hailsham opened their London League campaign with a hard fought 4-2 win over Croydon/Beckenham on Sunday.

This was a nail-biter of a match which the supporters on the edge of their seats with the game tied at 2-2 at half time, before a goal by Brooke Tafazolli broke the deadlock to put the girls 3-2 up going into the final quarter. With Croydon/Beckenham going all out for the equaliser, heroics in goal by 'woman of the match' Amy Styles kept the opposition at bay until a superb breakaway goal by Ellie Quin in the 4th quarter put the game beyond reach. The win was based on a solid defensive display from the whole team: Amy Styles (Hailsham), Sophie Ovens, Ellie Quin, Louise Bampton (Hailsham), Alice Rogers, Georgina Pashler (Hailsham), Brooke Tafazolli, Nicole Barron, Reanna Howells, Eve Tidy.

05/04/2009 - Orpington Open Successes

Sutton & Cheam swimmers had another successful day at the Orpington Open, returning with a hatful of PBs plus 1 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze medals between them.

Eleven-year old Ashley Castle took Gold in the 50m Free, Silvers in both the 50m Breast and Back, plus a bronze in the 50m Fly to complete the set. Nine year-old William Ward took silver in the 10 years & Under 50m Breast. Lyndsey Robinson took both silver and bronze in the 100m and 50m freestyle respectively, whilst Reanna Howells and Nicole Barron (Silver) and Rebecca Hedges and James DeBrunner (bronze) added to the medal tally.

29/03/2009 - Success in the South East Regional Biathlon Championships

The club had various members competing at the SE Regional Biathlon Championships held at Tonbridge School on Saturday 29th March. The event offers entry to the National Biathlon Championships to top six finishers and is run by the sports governing body, Pentathlon GB to which the club is affiliated.

In the boys under 10 age group (minimus) George Brown was victorious overall including a top place finish in the swimming element. Unfortunately this age group does not participate in National events otherwise George would have qualified. In the boys under 11 age group (Group E) Adam Smith finished as runner up and has qualified for the National Championships.

In the boys under 13 age group (Group D) Alfie Brown finished a creditable 12th overall (and a top 3 place in the swim) with Ross James and Joe Philpot-Clark snapping at his heals with 16th and 17th places overall respectively. The three boys competing together came 4th in the team event.

In the boys under 15 age group (Group C) James DeBrunner narrowly missed out on a National qualifying performance finishing in 7th place overall despite a strong swim in which he finished 4th. Killian Courtney and Harry "Big H" Brown finished in 17th and 19th places respectively. Again as a team the lads achieved 4th place overall.

In the girls events Rosie Heape narrowly missed out on National Qualification with an 8th place overall in the under 13 age group (Group D) with Juliette Williamson and Chloe Bartram finishing 16th and 18th respectively. The three girls together came fourth in the team event. In the under 15 girls event, Ellie James came 27th after managing 23rd place in the swim.

28/03/2009 - 2nd Place in the Hants & South Coast Premier League

Sutton and Cheam swimming club secured an excellent 2nd place behind top club Haslemere in the Hants & South Coast Premier League first round at Fareham on Saturday. Individual wins from Adam Smith, William Ward, George Brown (2), Rosie Heape, Nicole Barron, Eve Tidy and James DeBrunner and an outstanding victory in the Under 12 Free relay ; together with 11 second places were the foundation for performance; anchored by a fantastic team spirit which had everyone on their feet urging each other on.
Particularly pleasing was the performance of the relay teams with 5 second places showing the improving strength in depth of the team.
	A special well done to Rebecca Salter and Abigail Fraser (seen here with Club President Fred Andrews), who were representing the club for the first time. The team was: Abigail Fraser, Adam Smith, Alfie Brown, Brooke Tafazolli, Charlotte Reynolds, Ellie James, Eve Tidy, George Brown, James DeBrunner, Joe Phillpott-Clark, Juliette Williamson, Killian Courtney, Louise Ager, Luke Mason, Natalie Andrew, Nicole Barron, Reanna Howells, Rebecca Salter, Rosie Heape, Ross James, Sam Rees and William Ward.

22/03/2009 - Under 16's take League Title

Victories over Croydon (12-0), Watford (7-3), Hythe (11-1), Haywards Heath (7-1) and Beckenham (4-3) gave Sutton & Cheam's Under 16 Team the Winter League title on Sunday, repeating last year's win and maintaining their 100% record in the process. The team finished the season with the outstanding record Played 10, Won 10, Goals for 90; Goals against 17.

A special thank you to all the mums (and dads) who turned out on Mother's Day to cheer on the team.

The team was Alex Sutton, Jacob Tidy, Jack Miller, Tom Philpott-Clark, Joh Miller, Joe Worland, James DeBrunner, Callum Donoghue, James McFarlane, Ace Taylor and Luke Mason.

14/03/2009 - Joe Worland in GB Junior Victory over Romania

Sutton & Cheam's Joe Worland (seen here middle of shot shaking hands with the opposition) helped the GB Junior team to consecutive victories over Romania; both games with the score 11-8 at Salt Ayre Lancaster over the weekend.

13/03/2009 - Isaac in the medals at the Inter Borough Disability Gala

Sutton and Cheam's Isaac Tidy proudly showing his medal haul that he won at the recent Inter Borough Disability Gala held at Westcroft Leisure Centre, Carshalton. The event is open to 7 to 13 year old disabled swimmers in South London and attracted over 150 participants. Isaac was victorious in the 66 metre Freestyle and 33 metre Breaststroke; and picked up a silver medal in the 66m Backstroke. Isaac trains regularly with the County squad under Ian Rooke and also competes in the Club's Junior Water Polo teams.

01/03/2009 - William takes 3 Golds in the Surrey Championships

With 25 Sutton & Cheam swimmers qualifying in 102 events, the 2009 Surrey Age Group Championships once more showed the huge strides the club is making reaching 33 finals, gaining 5 medals, 40 Regional Qualifying times, and 75 personal bests in the process Pride of place went to 9 year old William Ward who won 3 individual Gold Medals in the 200m Breast; 100m IM and 50m Breast, as well as taking another bronze in the 50m Back, all in Personal Best times; the 200m Breast by a staggering 21 seconds.

It was also good to see AceTaylor (14) back to winning ways to take the silver medal in the 100m Breast with yet another personal best. James DeBrunner (13), Ace Taylor (14), George Brown (9) and Eve Tidy (12) all had near misses with 4th places. In addition, the Boys 14-15 Relay team of Jason Foo Kune, Ace Taylor, Jacob Tidy and Elliot Kimber reached the finals of the 14-15 4X50m Medley and the U16 4X100m Medley; and the girls relay team of Nicole Barron, Eve Tidy, Brooke Tafazolli and Charlotte Reynolds followed suit to reach the final of the 12-13 4X50m Medley.

Adam Smith, Alfie Brown, Ashley Castle, Chloe Bartram, Jake Meffan, Joseph Phillpott-Clark, Killian Courtney, Luke Mason, Lyndsey Robinson, Maddison Kameta, Matthew Amis, Olivia Taylor, Reanna Howells, Rebecca Hedges, Rosie Heape, Ross James Sam Baker, Samuel Rees and Stephen Bayles all qualified; contributing to the most successful Surrey Championships for several years.

13/02/2009 - Joe selected for British Team against Romania

Joe Worland is the latest of a long line of Sutton & Cheam's internationals after his recent selection for the GB Academy's (Under 16) first international game and training camp against Romania at Salt Ayre, Lancaster on the 13th and 14th March.

08/02/2009 - Junior Girls win Winter League

Another battling performance saw Sutton & Cheam's junior Girls take the London Region Winter League title on Sunday with a repeat win over Croydon/Beckenham in the final game of the season. The eventual scoreline of 11-5 doesn't truly reflect the toughness of the game, as the girls came from behind twice at 2-3 and 3-4 before their superior fitness and swimming ability overwhelmed Croydon/Beckenham in the second half.

Alice Rogers (5), Georgina Pashler (4) and Ellie Quin (2) scored the goals but outstanding defensive performances from Amy Styles (goalkeeper); Louise Bampton, Sophie Ovens, Rebecca Hedges, Brooke Tafazolli, Nicole Barron, Reanna Howells and Eve Tidy and the never say die attitude of the whole team was the foundation of their success. The girls now go on to the ASA National Championships in March and we wish them well.

31/01/2009 - Borough Primary Schools Gala

Saturday saw another successful venture to the Borough Primary Schools Gala, held at Cheam leisure Centre; where representing their schools, club swimmers gained 6 golds, 4 silvers and 8 bronze medals.

Star of the show was Ashley Castle representing Cheam Fields School, who scooped four golds for a clean sweep of every stroke.

Sutton & Cheam's other Borough Champions were Ross James (representing Cheam Park Farm) and George Brown; representing Stanley Park. Silver medallists included Roisin Bowden, Michael Rees (2) and William Ward; with bronze medals going to Juliette Williamson (3), George Brown, Louis Meffan, Joe Phillpott-Clark, Adam Smith and Noah White.

The race of the day came in the boys year 4/5 backstroke final in which George Brown, Michael Rees and Adam Smith came 1st, 2nd and 3rd; all in the same time. The second clean sweep came in the boys year 4/5 breastroke final with Ross James beating William Ward by a fingernail in the same time, with Noah White very close behind in 3rd place.

Perhaps the most remarkable race was the boys year 4/5 freestyle in which club swimmers took 8 of the first 10 places.

A big well done eveyone!

26/01/2009 - Ladies Junior Water Polo Team top the table

Not to be outshone by the youngsters, a combined Sutton & Cheam / Hailsham Under 18 Ladies team battled back from 2-0 down against Croydon/Beckenham to win 8-5. The goal scores were Louise Bampton, (3), Alice Rogers (2), Georgina Pashler, (2) and Brooke Tafazolli (1), ably supported by Amy Styles (G/K), Ellie Quin, Sophie Ovens, Rebecca Hedges, Nicole Barron, Eve Tidy and Reanna Howells.

26/01/2009 - Under 12s back to winning ways

Sutton & Cheam's Under 12 water Polo were impressive victors last weekend, winning three and drawing one of their four games in the second round of the London Winter League. The team's performances were a remarkable turnaround from the first weekend of the league, with the youngsters convincingly beating teams they had previously lost to.

A good draw in the first game against Hythe (4-4) gave them the confidence they needed to come out battling and wins over Croydon (6-0) and Beckenham (8-2) followed. However, the best performance of the weekend was a fine victory over top-of-the-table Haywards Heath (4-3) with goalkeeper Mofe Wilkey saving a penalty.

The goal scorers for the weekend were Sam Rees (8), Ashley Castle (6), Matthew Helps (4), Alfie Brown (2) and George Brown (2), supported by Chris Creamore, Louis Creamore Isaac Tidy and Michael Rees, providing tough tackling and sound defensive cover.

Afterwards, coach Mick Helps (of Channel swimming fame), said "every player worked hard for each other and we were organised in both defence and attack; and tackled tougher than any other team. The impressive results were just reward for the team's efforts."

25/01/2009 - Matt Kidd presents Winners at Presentation Night

Saturday saw Sutton & Cheam's Presentation Evening and Disco move at extremely short notice to Epsom & Ewell Boxing Club, whom we would like to thank for their hospitality.

Over 200 members and parents were present to see the club's "Jack Petchey Award " winners and club championship medallists, receive their awards and trophies from Matt Kidd, an old member of Sutton and Cheam Swimming Club; and a double Olympian swimmer (Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004).

The "Jack Petchey" Awards are presented to club members for outstanding achievement, or for exceptional contribution to the club. Matt therefore presented the Jack Petchey "Leader Award" to Fred Andrews, President and member of the club for many years; and to eleven of the monthly Jack Petchey Award winners:
	Grace Rogers, Jacob Tidy, Harry Brown, Stephen Bayles, Ollie Holland, Ellie James, Chris Creamore, Eve Tidy, Alex Sutton, James DeBrunner and Ellie Quin. Ollie Holland a winner himself, also picked up a "Jack Petchey" medal for his brother Matthew, who was unfortunately unable to be present as he is away at University.

Age Group Winners:

Under 10: Natalie Andrew; Michael Rees
Under 12: Chloe Bartram; Ashley Castle
Under 14: Nicole Barron, James De Brunner
Under 16: Rebecca Hedges; Elliott Kimber
Endeavour: Tom Philpott-Clark

The presentations were followed by a buffet and disco and the evening was enjoyed by swimmers and parents alike. A big thank you to Helen & Dave Andrews, Lucy Brown, Caroline Bartram, Lee Castle, Karen De Brunner and Rosalind Taylor; for re-arranging the festivities at very short notice; and to Nicky Reynolds for organising the trophies.

18/01/2009 - Medal Haul at Swindon

Swimmers from Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club made a fantastic start to the new year, scooping more than 20 medals at the Tigersharks Open Meet in Swindon.

A stunning swim from Jacob Tidy (14) saw him crack the minute for the 100m Freestyle for the first time, earning him a bronze medal to add to the two silver medals he won in the 100m and 200m Backstroke.

Topping the medal haul was 13 year-old James De Brunner, who claimed Gold in the 200m and 200m Butterfly, as well as Silver in the 200m Back and 400m Individual Medley, together with Bronze in the 200m Free and 200m Individual Medley.

Ace Taylor (14) swam superbly to win both the 100m and 200m Breaststroke. Golds were also achieved by Matt Amis (16) in the 200m Breaststroke, and by Reanna Howells (12) in the 50m Freestyle.

Coach Jim Walker was pleased with the team's performance, which also saw his swimmers achieve 24 Regional Qualifying times.

The other medallists were: Matt Amis, Chloe Bartram (2), Alfie Brown, Ashley Castle, Killian Courtney, Rebecca Hedges, Reanna Howells, Jason Foo Kune and Eve Tidy (3).

18/01/2009 - Under 16 WWPL

Sutton & Cheam's Under 16 team prolonged their unbeaten run and stretched their lead at the top of the Winter Water Polo League table with 3 wins out of 3 at Whitgift on Sunday.

A 7-3 win over West London Penguin, followed by further wins over Watford (5-1) and Hythe (13-4) puts them in a great position to take the Under 16 Winterfv League title and go one better than their second place last year.

Despite the score, Sutton & Cheam didn't have it all their own way against Watford who took the lead in the first half and went in at half-time with the scores level at 1-1. However, the second half was a different story and 4 unanswered goals put the game beyond Watford's reach.

The wins were centred on a powerful defensive performance with Joe Worland, Jack Miller and Tom Philpott-Clark particularly prominent. Goals from Joe Worland, Josh Miller, Callum Donoghue, Jack Miller, Tom Philpott-Clark, Matthew Ovens and Luke Mason contributed to the wins; with Alex Sutton performing his usual heroics in goal.

Played 3, Won 3 Goals for 23, goals against 8.

Team: Alex Sutton, Michael Mason, Matthew Ovens, Jack Miller, Josh Miller, Tom Philpott-Clark, Josh Miller, Callum Donoghue, Luke Mason.

04/01/2009 Ladies Junior WWPL

Despite being under strength through injury and regional duties elsewhere, Sutton & Cheam's Junior Ladies (Under 18) Water Polo Team combined with Hailsham Water Polo Club on Sunday to get their season off to a winning start against Croydon/Beckenham in the Winter League.

An entertaining game saw the team win 6-5 in a game that went all the way to the wire and kept the spectators on the edge of their seats right to the final whistle.

Sutton's Alice Rogers was on fine shooting form with 4 goals with Ellie Quin on 2, but it was the team's defensive performance with Hailsham's Amy Styles in goal and Brooke Tafazolli, Rebecca Hedges, Georgina Pashler, Sophie Ovens, Nicole Barron and Reanna Howells working wonders in defence which contributed equally to the win. Their superb performance is perhaps summed up by the fact that the entire team is able to play in the same age group next year with the youngest player still only 12.

Team: Georgina Pashler, Amy Styles (Hailsham); Alice Rogers, Ellie Quin, Sophie Ovens, Rebecca Hedges, Brooke Tafazolli, Nicole Barron, Reanna Howells (Sutton & Cheam)

13/12/2008 National Swimming League Round 3 Eltham

Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club retained their place in the National Swimming League London Division 1after a dazzling display at Eltham on Saturday, showing the huge strides they have made recently under coaches Jim Walker and Helen Andrews.

Seeded to finish 5th with the bottom four teams facing relegation, the team responded splendidly to the challenge with personal best after personal best to earn a well-deserved 3rd place to shoot them up the league table. The performance was underpinned by top 3 places in 22 events but this was a real team performance to which everyone contributed.

A special mention must be made of Alice Rogers (and mum Pat) who sped back from a national League Water Polo game in Wales on Saturday morning, to help her team out at Eltham later the same afternoon; and of Chief Coach Jim Walker who showed his swimmers how to do it in fine style in the Men's Open freestyle and medley relay teams.

Many thanks also to all those parents who came along to cheer on the team and to help with hosting the final round.

The team was: Ace Taylor, Alfie Brown, Alice Rogers, Ashley Castle, Charlotte Reynolds, Chloe Bartram, Dave Smithson, Elisabeth Williamson, Elliot Kimber, Eve Tidy, James DeBrunner, Jason Foo Kune, Joe Philpott-Clark, Josie McGreevy, Juliette Williamson, Killian Courtney, Luke Mason, Lyndsey Robinson, Matt Amis, Nicole Barron, Oliver Williamson, Reanna Howells, Rebecca Hedges, Rosie Heape, Sam Baker, Sam Rees, Sophie Taylor and Stephen Bayles.

07/12/2008 Horsham Open

The Horsham 'Christmas Cracker' Open on Sunday proved a happy hunting ground for Sutton's swimmers who returned home with 9 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals. With six other finalists into the bargain and personal bests in abundance, this bodes well for the future.

Gold medallists were: Ashley Castle (3), Ace Taylor (2) Jacob Tidy (2), Sophie Taylor and James DeBrunner.
Silver medallists: Rebecca Hedges (3)
Bronze Medallists: Jacob Tidy and Adam Smith

Well done everyone!

07/12/2008 Under 14 WWPL

A 4-2 defeat by league leaders Croydon Amphibians; followed by a tight 3-2 win over Worthing, were enough to keep Sutton & Cheam's Under 14 team in second place in the Winter League on Sunday.

Scorers were James McFarlane (3), James DeBrunner and Luke Mason.

The team: Mofe Wilkey, Nicole Barron, James McFarlane, James DeBrunner, Reanna Howells, Luke Mason, Brooke Tafazolli, Jack Short, Kieran Castle, Harry Brown.

06/12/2008 - Under 14s Inter Counties

On Saturday, six players from Sutton & Cheam's Under 14 water polo team helped Surrey County to victory in the first ever Inter Counties Under 14 Championships, held at Whitgift School. Victories against Kent (7-0 and 5-1) and Sussex (4-1 and 9-6) gave the team a convincing win.

S & C - James DeBrunner, James McFarlane, Luke Mason, Brooke Tafazolli, Nicole Barron, Reanna Howells

CASC - Jack Beddoes, Hiro Harazawa, Ben Dubben, Tom Andrews, Josh Hampson, Josh Capon

16/11/2008 - 3rd Place in NWPL Division 2

After a slow start to the National Water Polo League season, Sutton & Cheam deservedly took third place in a closely-fought Division 2 after holding league champions Tyldesley to an 8-8 draw in the last weekend of the season at Bath. Despite being 5-1 down midway through the second period, Sutton hit back strongly to take the lead for the first time with less than three minutes to play. However a Tyldesley equaliser with just seconds remaining in the game was still enough to ensure Sutton & Cheam their highest position in NWPL since 2000; just missing out on a promotion play-off for Division 1.

This was an excellent performance with a young, largely home-grown team. Sutton's potential was evident with the Tyldesley draw and an excellent win over second-placed Otter, but the team was dogged all season with the unavailability of key players at key times. In the first weekend of the season, they were without Matt Holland and Stephen Bayles who were both on GB duty in the European Junior Water Polo Championships in Istanbul. Despite this, Kieran Bayles inspired a come-back win over Solihull with 4 goals to overcome a 5-3 deficit. Kieran also played a key role in Sutton's recovery from 9-5 down to draw 9-9 with Invicta Marlins, again scoring 4 goals, the last from a penalty just 37 seconds from the end.

Injuries then put Alex and Mike Smith out (Alex for the rest of the season), though a below strength team performed magnificently to beat second-placed Otter 13-11 in a nail-biting match at Sheffield, after an equally disappointing 8-11 loss to Birkenhead; though Sutton nearly pulled off the come-back of the year after giving Birkenhead an 8 goal lead at half time.

It was only at Loughborough that the club was able to put out a side approaching full strength with Mark 'Choccy' Zumbuehl and Gergely Fulop both turning out - and ex-GB international Chris Evans back into the fray. A hat-trick of wins against Sheffield, Invicta Marlins and Solihull (with Gergely Fulop scoring 9 goals), swept the club up the league table.

Again under strength, Lancaster saw Sutton & Cheam turn the tables on Birkenhead with a 12-7 win; and a 7-7 draw with Hucknall; Stephen Bayles equalising in the last few seconds. However, a defeat to Otter effectively put the play-off place out of Sutton's reach.

Throughout the season, Sutton's "never say die" attitude established them as the come-back kings of the league, coming from behind to win or draw in no less than 6 of the 14 games.

Top scorer for the season was Kieran Bayles (33 goals), with brother Stephen second, thereby reversing 2007's tally.

09/11/2008 - WWPL Under 16

Sutton & Cheam's Under 16 Water Polo team got the 2008 WWPL season off to a great start with 3 wins out of 3 on Sunday at Whitgift School.

Wins against Croydon Amphibians (9-1), Beckenham (8-2) and Haywards Heath (14-1) showed Sutton's superiority. The wins were set up by a very sound defence, which allowed the opposition very few shots on goal. Goals from Joe Worland, Callum Donoghue, Jack Miller, Josh Miller, Elliot Kimber, Jacob Tidy, Ace Taylor and Matthew Ovens contributed to the 31 goal haul; whilst at the other end superb defensive performances from Tom Philpott-Clark and Alex Sutton (in goal) kept the goals against total down to a miserly 4 goals in 3 games.

A special well done to Elliot Kimber who scored on his debut performance for the team.

The team: Alex Sutton, Joseph Worland, Tom Phillpott-Clark, Callum Donoghue, Jack Miller, Josh Miller, Elliot Kimber, Matthew Ovens, Jacob Tidy, Ace Taylor.

08/11/2008 - National Swimming League Round 2

Despite being seeded to finish in 7th place, a battling performance from Sutton & Cheam in the National Swimming League Division 1, Round 2 saw the team finish 6th to give themselves a fighting chance of remaining in Division 1 in 2009.

With only 12 points separating Sutton & Cheam from Saxon Crown Swimming Club, this was a real team performance with everyone contributing including Chief Coach Jim Walker, who shook the cobwebs off his swimming gear to put in a great swim in the Open Men's team relays.

The team goes to the final round in December with all to play for.

21/10/2008 - Isaac Tidy - Borough Sports Awards - Disabled Sportsperson of the Year Award

Isaac has also competed for the Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club in friendly and National Speedo League galas; and is also a keen member of the club's very successful Under 12 Water Polo Team, which won the League Championships earlier this year, losing only a single game in the entire season.

Well done Isaac!

12/10/2008 - Under 16 Inter Counties victory

Sutton & Cheam players Joe Worland, Josh Miller, Jack Miller, Alex Sutton (G/K), Callum Donoghue, Tom Philpott-Clark and Jacob Tidy, joined forces with players from Croydon Amphibians to represent Surrey in the London Region Under 16 Inter Counties Championships on Sunday.

Excellent defensive displays, which resulted in the team only conceding 4 goals, gave the team the springboard to wins over Middlesex (5-1), Hants (9-1), Kent (3-0) and Sussex   (5-2) to earn Surrey the Under 16 Inter Counties title.

Sutton & Cheam: Joe Worland, Josh Miller, Jack Miller, Alex Sutton (G/K, Callum Donoghue, Tom Philpott-Clark, Jacob Tidy

CASC Ollie Reynolds, William Jackson, Tom Nurthen, James Mulcahy

01-05/10/2008 - Matt Selected for GB Senior Team for Comen Cup, Chania, Malta

The first match saw Great Britain men's team, including Sutton & Cheam's Matt Holland, defeat FNC Douai (France) 10-9. A disappointing 20-4 defeat to leading Italian side R.N.Sori (containing 4 Olympians) was followed by a much better performance against Malta, which went to extra time before Malta won 12-11 (10-10 at full time). The team's final match was against Greek side C.N.Chania, which saw the opposition win 10-6, putting the Great Britain into 4th place overall.

21/09/2008 - LWPL U15

Sunday saw the final round of the London League Under 15 competition with Sutton & Cheam finishing a close second, partially down to the non-availability of key players at the second tournament of the season. The League was very open this year and going into the final weekend, any one of three teams; Sutton & Cheam, Croydon Amphibians I or Basingstoke could have taken the title.

A 9-1 win against CASC II in the first game set up the chance to win the Championship outright but a goal from Croydon Amphibians I in the dying seconds of Sutton's second match levelled the score to 3-3 and the chance was gone.

The team finished with the overall record Played 12, Won 8, Drawn 1, Lost 3, Goals for 63, Goals against 26.

Through the season, Jacob Tidy and Ace Taylor were the top goal scorers though Rebecca Hedges, Brooke Tafazolli and Eve Tidy weren't far behind. Michael Mason and Matthew Ovens shared goal-keeping duties, which allowed Michael Mason out on pitch to get himself on the score sheet. A good indication for the future was that over half the team would be eligible to play in the same age group next year.

Team: Matthew Ovens, James Debrunner, Jacob Tidy, Brooke Tafazolli, Nicole Barron, James McFarlane, Luke Mason, Reanna Howells, Michael Mason, Rebecca Hedges, Eve Tidy.

07/09/2008 to 14/09/2008 - GB Junior European Championships Istanbul

Britain's Junior Men's water polo team including Sutton & Cheam's Matthew Holland and Stephen Bayles, finished in 13th place at the recent European Championships; held in Istanbul.

The 16 nations that qualified for the Championships were split into four groups for the preliminary rounds. A very tough draw unfortunately put them up against two of the top teams in the world, Italy and Croatia in the group stages. To make matters worse, the GB team's group was then matched against the group containing both Serbia and Montenegro, the eventual gold and bronze medallists. As a result, this meant that in order to reach the top 8, GB had to beat at least one of the top teams in the world.

Their campaign kicked off with a tough encounter against Italy (5th in 2007), losing 12-7, a score which didn't truly reflect the team's performance as they gave away a massive 12 majors including 5 penalties. In the second round, GB again fought a close game against Germany losing 9-12 in a game they could have won had things gone their way.

Day three was a game they'd rather forget with a crushing 17-2 defeat by Croatia, one of the World's top water polo nations.

Against France, despite leading 3-0 after the first quarter, the match went to extra time and then to a penalty shoot-out, GB losing with the final score of 13-12 causing them to just miss out on the 9th-12th placings. This was a tremendous disappointment as the GB team had beaten France fairly comfortably just the week before in Slovakia.

The team then played for the 13th-16th positions, and came back fighting to beat Slovenia 8-5. This win demonstrates a vast improvement in the British side, as they lost to Slovenia at last year's European Championship qualifiers, and again earlier this year in the qualifying rounds.

The final match was against Israel and a thrilling game ended in yet another penalty shoot-out. This time, keeper Matt Holland saved four of the five Israeli penalties to ensure 13th place overall, to give the noisy vociferous crowd something to cheer about!

Despite the disappointment, in the build up to this competition Britain beat France 15-8, and Holland 9-5. The British team also tied with Spain in the qualification tournament in June. These teams finished 10th (France), 4th (Netherlands) and 2nd (Spain), which shows the huge strides the GB team has made over the past year.

The Junior Men's team: Matthew Holland, Richard Lawlor, Brett Perkins, Sean King, James Wannop, Jack Waller, Glen Robinson, Thomas Kelly, Stephen Bayles, Jake Vincent, Ciaran James, William Middleton, Joshua Smith

29/08/2008 to 31/08/2008 GB Junior High Tatras Tournament, Nováky, Slovakia

Sutton & Cheam's Matt Holland and Stephen Bayles helped Britain's men's junior water polo players to claim the Silver medal in this Six-Nation-Tournament against teams from Australia, Netherlands, France, Slovenia and Slovakia.

The first game saw Britain lose to Australia 3-10, but the British team went on to improve their form and won the next three matches against Holland (9-5), Slovakia (13-7) and France (15-8). The final game against Slovenia ended in a 9-9 draw but the British team had already done enough to earn Silver.

The British win over the Dutch is the first in recent memory and these promising results put the British side in a good position for the forthcoming European Junior Championships, which are being held in Istanbul from 7-14 Sept 2008.

Final Placings

1. Australia
2. Great Britain
3. Netherlands
4. France
5. Slovenia
6. Slovakia

15/08/2008 to 18/08/2008 GB Junior Training Camp Cardiff v Australian National Side

Last weekend saw the GB Junior Water Polo Team including Sutton & Cheam's Matt Holland and Stephen Bayles in Cardiff to compete against the Australian National side, currently on a European tour.

Despite losing all three games, the GB Juniors gained invaluable experience against one of the World's top sides and showed huge improvement in each game, losing the first 10-4, the second 12-7 and the third to a single goal in an 11-10 loss.

With just seconds to go on the clock, the GB Juniors came within an inch of drawing the final game when Jack Waller hit the post. The experience should stand them in good stead when they go to Slovakia later in the month; and then on to the European Championships in Istanbul.

11/08/2008 - Sutton players win in Zurich

Dave Craven and Kieran Bayles from the S&C's Water Polo First Team recently flew out to Zurich to play in the Annual Water Polo tournament at Swiss club, SC Frosch Aegeri. The two players were invited to play for a team comprising players from across Europe, including two of Sutton’s overseas players, Mark Zumbuehl and Gergely Fulop.

Over the three-day tournament held in a freshwater lake in Aegeri, just outside Zurich, their side dominated the tournament, comfortably winning the final in front of a large crowd. Kieran and Dave can be seen with the tournament trophy. S&C hope to send their own team to the tournament next year to bring it back once more.

03/08/2008 Mick's Lake Zurich swim

On Sunday 3rd August, Mick Helps carrying on from his Channel Swim last year, successfully completed the 26.4km (17 mile) '21st International Sri Chinmoy Marathon Swim' Trophy, an open water swimming marathon race in Lake Zurich (from Rapperswil to Zurich) in 9 hours 39 minutes. This equates to about 1200 lengths of the swimming pool!
	Amongst a quality field of swimmers from across the world Mick's time was sufficient to earn him a place on the podium as 3rd fastest in the Masters category, and top British Swimmer in the group. Local Zurich Swimmer Jurg Schmid took the title in a new record time whilst Ned Denison of Ireland took second place.

Despite the distance, the race came down to a sprint finish for the final two miles, Mick passing another swimmer with less than half a mile to go.

Mick's swim was raising money for charity Disability Challengers.

16/07/2008 to 23/07/2008 GB Junior Training Camp Istanbul

Sutton & Cheam's Matthew Holland and Stephen Bayles have been selected to attend the GB Junior Water Polo Training Camp in Istanbul in preparation for the European Championships there in September.

06/07/2008 - More Golds from Godalming

Sunday proved another great day for Sutton's swimmers at the Godalming Open Gala, where 23 swimmers returned with a 39-medal haul including 26 Golds, 11 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. It could have been even better but 26 Speeding Tickets were picked up by swimmers going too fast! With a further 11 finalists (50 in all), this was a day to remember.

Team manager Brian Hedges (who still hasn't recovered his voice), would like to congratulate everyone on their performances & also the way you behaved & supported each other as a team.

The team: Alfie Brown, Ashley Castle, Chloe Bartram, Eve Tidy, Hannah Barron, Harry Brown, Jake Meffan, James DeBrunner, James McFarlane, Jason Foo Kune, Joe Phillpott-Clark, Kieran Castle, Killian Courtney, Louis Meffan, Lyndsey Robinson, Matthew Helps, Natalie Andrew, Nicole Barron, Reanna Howells, Rebecca Hedges, Rosie Heape, Tom Phillpott-Clark, William Ward

02/07/2008 - GB Junior Polo International Tournament Hamburg v Netherlands

Following their success in the European Championships qualifying tournament in Macedonia last month, Sutton & Cheam's Matthew Holland and Stephen Bayles have again been selected for the GB Junior Water Polo team in an International Tournament in Hamburg v the Netherlands, one of Europe's top sides.

8th June - Water Polo Winners!!

In what turned out to be a very busy weekend for the club, Sutton and Cheam's girls again joined forces with Hailsham Ladies to compete in the final round of this years London League Ladies event.

This, the final weekend, saw Sutton's girls compete in a "winner takes all" final match against Southampton University for the League title.The first quarter saw both Alice Rogers and Ellie Quin contributing strongly in attack and with Hannah Barron and Brooke Tafazolli blotting out the Southampton attacks, the Sutton girls raced to a 4-0 lead, Southampton wondering what had hit them.

The second quarter saw Southampton begin to compete and at one stage cut the deficit to two goals before Sutton reasserted themselves, with defence duo Rebecca Hedges and Sophie Ovens, to close out the first half with a 6-2 lead. The third period saw Sutton pick up where they finished off the first half and quickly pushed ahead to lead 8-3.

The final quarter saw the Sutton girls scoring a further two goals to close out the match comprehensive winners at 10-3 and claim their first ever Ladies London League title.

Head Water Polo Coach at Sutton, Dave Andrews, was enormously impressed with the girls and was quick to point out that with an average age of just 15 and competing in an open age group against largely adult teams, the future looks very rosy for the team.

7th June Swimming Galas

A total of 55 swimmers from Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club turned out in force to compete in two galas on Saturday night - Round 1 of the Rother League competition at Bracknell; and the Epsom Diddy Gala at the Rainbow Centre, Epsom.

Numerous first and second places plus together with scores of personal bests saw the club finish in 3rd place in both galas. An outstanding effort.

Rother League Round 1

The Rother League saw first places from Eve Tidy, Ashley Castle, Ace Taylor, James McFarlane, Samuel Rees, Joe Phillpott-Clark, Ross James, James De Brunner and Jacob Tidy. Second places for Joe Philpott-Clark, Madison Kameta, Oliver Williamson, Alice Rogers and the Under 11 and Under 15 relay teams saw the Club finish a fighting 3rd behind Bracknell & Wokingham, and Alton Swimming Clubs.

Rother Squad - Alice Rogers, Sam Baker, Juliette Williamson, Rebecca Hedges, Killian Courtney, Elisabeth Williamson, Chris Williamson, Madison Kameta, Oliver Williamson, Terri Martin, Jessica Summers, Louise Ager, Nicole Barron, Reanna Howells, Charlotte Reynolds, Jake Meffan, Luke Mason, Sophie Burke, Elliot Kimber and Matt Amis.

Epsom Junior Gala

The standard at the Epsom Diddy Gala was equally high and the junior squad rallied with 1st places from Chloe Bartram, Alfie Brown, Rosie Heape, Kieran Castle, Adam Smith, George Brown, Michael Rees, William Ward and Lewis Maslin. Boosted by further second places from Isabel Kirby, Louis Meffan, Phoebe Amis and Ellie James, and a great team effort by everyone in the relays, again saw the club finish a close 3rd.

Junior Squad - Natalie Andrew, Charlotte Grigg, Jack Short, Olivia Taylor, Louis Meffan, Kayleigh Mannion, Isabel Kirby, Nicole Woods, Daisy Meffan, Kiril Nikilov, Nathan Cater, Isaac Tidy, Josie McGreevey, Beth Kirby, George Buckman, Phoebe Amis, Ellie James.

02/06/2008 to 08/06/2008 GB Junior Training Camp Budapest - European Qualifiers, Skopje, Macedonia

Although AS Level exams prevented him joining his team in the preceding training camp in Budapest, Hungary; after completing an AS Level exam on Wednesday afternoon, Sutton and Cheam's Stephen Bayles flew out first thing on Thursday morning to join Sutton teammate Matt Holland and the rest of the GB Junior team, for the European Championships Qualifying Tournament in Skopje Macedonia.

Just 12 hours after leaving Heathrow, Stephen was in the water against Slovenia. Narrowly beaten 12-9, the GB Junior team then rallied to take their first win of the tournament, beating the Ukraine comfortably 16-8. Next game against home team Macedonia, saw another win, 15-6 in front of a vocal partisan crowd.

The GB team's finest performance however was reserved for Spain, one of water polo's top nations. Following a fine defensive performance, which prevented Spain scoring in the second quarter, the GB team lead 7-5 heading into the final quarter. The team fought hard and despite scoring two more goals in the final quarter of the match, Spain managed to pull themselves back into the points to secure a 9-9 draw, the best result achieved by a GB team for a number of years.

The final game of the tournament came against Belarus, and another close one resulted in an 11-10, victory the last two goals scored by Sutton & Cheam's Stephen Bayles to seal their place at the European Junior Water Polo Championships in Istanbul, Turkey in September.

The squad comprised: Matthew Holland, Alex Tollefson, Brett Perkins, Glen Robinson, Jack Waller, James Wannop, Jake Vincent, Richard Lawlor, Sean King, Stephen Bayles, Thomas Kelly, William Middleton and Joshua Smith.

18th May - LWPL Ladies Div 2

Sutton and Cheam's Ladies team joined forces with Hailsham Ladies and competed in the second round of the London Ladies League this weekend.

Their first match was a nail biting affair against London rivals Penguins. The match saw firstly one team then the other gaining the advantage but in the final period and with less than a minute to play Sutton's Alice Rogers scored the winning goal to see Sutton through by 8 goals to 7. There were fine performances from all the team with Ellie Quin and Sophie Ovens in defence together with the midfield duo of Rebecca Hedges and Brooke Tafazolli and the perpetual motion of Hannah Barron who seemed to be everywhere on the pitch.

Sutton's second match was against a strengthened Worthing team where the girls from Sutton having taken an early lead were pushed to the limit and managed to hang onto to draw the match 4-4.

These two results, together with the prior round of matches, leave Sutton's girls at the head of the table with only one round of three matches left to play.

Sutton's Head Coach, Dave Andrews, was particularly pleased with the girls performance and pointed out that with an average age of just 15 and playing against senior women the Sutton's girls team had exceeded all his expectations to head the table at this stage of the event.

17th May - Rother Junior Trophy

Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club, newly promoted to the Rother League top division, competed in the Junior Trophy Gala on Saturday.Up against tough competition the junior squad pulled together with some fantastic closely fought races. William Ward stormed ahead to win the U10 50m breaststroke by almost half a length with Ashley Castle, James DeBrunner and Ace Taylor also taking first place in the U11 freestyle, U13 fly and U14 breaststroke respectively. Great team effort and numerous personal best times resulted in an overall fourth place - a great start for the League.

Team; Louise Ager, Ross James, Charlotte Reynolds, Alfie Brown, Brooke Tafazolli, Jacob Tidy, Juliette Williamson, Louis Meffan, Nicole Barron, Joe Phillpott-Clark, George Brown, Isabel Kirby, Chloe Bartram, Kieran Castle, Ria Burke, Rosie Heape, Eve Tidy, Killian Courtney and Adam Smith.

11/05/2008 LWPL U15

Sutton's mixed under 15 team followed with a four match series with initial victories against Croydon, Basingstoke and Watford before playing local rivals, Croydon Amphibians, in the crunch match of the weekend.

Sutton's youngsters won a hard fought first half 2-0 with goals from Rebecca Hedges and Ace Taylor before conceding an early goal in the second period. The match remained tight with goalkeeper Matt Ovens pulling off a number of superb saves and captain Jacob Tidy performing heroics in defence until Sutton scored a third goal through Luke Mason to close the match out 3-1.

With the other team members, James DeBrunner, James McFarlane, Nicole Barron, Eve Tidy, Reanna Howells, Michael Mason and Brooke Tafazolli, putting in a fantastic performance, Sutton scored 26 goals and conceded only 5 across the four matches and now head the table. Coach Dave Andrews commented 'I am particularly pleased that we were able to field a squad including five girls against opposition almost entirely made up of boys and that more than half of the team will be available for the same competition next year.'

27/04/2008 LWPL Ladies Div 2

Last weekend saw Sutton and Cheam's young water polo stars in action in the opening rounds of this year's London League competition.

S&C players Alice Rogers, Hannah Barron, Rebecca Hedges, Sophie Ovens &
Brooke Tafazolli joined forces with Hailsham's Amy Styles, Louise Bampton, Charlotte Bates, Georgina Pashler & Isobel Bates to compete in the Senior League.

A great team effort and superb defending saw the team achieve wins against Croydon/Beckenham (8-2) and Basingstoke (7-3); plus a fighting 4-4 draw against Southampton University from their opening round of matches.

This is a particularly strong performance considering that the team had an average age of just 16 and were competing against full senior players. These results leave the Sutton Ladies heading the Division 2 table after the first weekend with Played 3, Won 2, Drawn 1.

26/04/2008 Surrey Schools Inter District Competition

Congratulations to Ashley Castle, Kieran Castle, Lewis Maslin, Ross James, Juliette Williamson, Chloe Bartram, Alfie Brown and Rosie Heape who were selected to represent Sutton Schools this weekend in the Surrey inter district competition.

In the individual events, Chloe and Ashley both won gold medals, Rosie silver and Alfie bronze. Alfie, Lewis and Ashley won silver in the boys' relay, with Rosie a bronze in the girls' relay.

26/04/2008 ASA National Water Polo Finals

Well done to Alex, Jack, Jacob, Callum, Joe, William, Josh, Tom, Ace, Michael, Matthew and James who went to Manchester last Saturday for the semi-finals of the ASA National Club Championships. A disappointing but not unexpected defeat by tournament favourites and eventual winners Dunfermline in the semi-final, put the team into the 3rd/4th play-off against City of Birmingham, where the team were unable to lift their game, losing a hard fought game 10-7 to finish 4th.

The club has always developed its own players and it is a credit to the club that this team was made up entirely of players who have started their water polo careers at Sutton. To finish 4th as a club team against City and Regional teams drawn from different clubs is an achievement to be proud of.

The team comprised: Alex Sutton, Jack Miller, Jacob Tidy, Callum Donoghue, Joe Worland, William Jackson, Josh Miller, Tom Philpott-Clark, Ace Taylor, Michael Mason, Matthew Ovens and James De Brunner.

25/04/2008 to 02/05/2008 - GB Junior Polo Training Camp to Gorzow, Poland

Sutton & Cheam's Matthew Holland and Stephen Bayles have been selected to attend the GB Junior Water Polo Training Camp in Gorzow, Poland in preparation for the European Championship qualifiers in Macedonia in June.

25/04/2008 World Silver for S&C Water Polo Masters

Many of Sutton & Cheam's water polo greats converged on Perth, Western Australia from all over the globe to compete in the XII FINA World Masters Championships. Playing in the over 50 age group, they came within a whisker of retaining their World Title; eventually settling for the silver medal.

The team included current "Old Gits" John Salter (team manager), Colin King, Nick Furneaux and Graham Barnard. They were joined by many of the S&C team that dominated British water polo in the 1970s and 1980s including past Sutton & Cheam and Great Britain Captain, Phil Howden (whose current club Brisbane Barracudas was the team banner they played under); Peter Laing (now in Australia), Peter Paollela (Malta), goalie Stef Radwanski (Singapore), Duncan Broyd (Tampa, USA) and double Olympians Julian Musspratt and Chris Harrison (Australia).

The team cruised through the preliminary rounds with victories against Kaos Los Angeles 5-0; Calgary 9-0; Tri Valley (San Francisco) 2-1, and City Beach (Western Australia) 12-3; before beating WPM-04 Moscow 3-2 in the final game to see who topped the pool.

This was a tough, hard-fought battle against a team containing members of the Russian side, which took the Gold Medal at the 1980 Olympics.

After that, the semi-final was an anti-climax accounting for City Beach 9-3 to put them in the final against German Club SV Cannstatt from Bremen, which included most of the German National team from the 1980s.

Trailing 6-3 at half time in the final, the team rallied to tie the game 6-6 with 2 minutes to go but a goal by the Germans with just 10 seconds left on the clock sunk the team's hopes of retaining their 2007 World Title.

The team had a great time reuniting with old friends, many of whom played together as teenagers at Cheam Leisure centre; winning the National Championships at Under 17 and 18; and later winning the National League and National knockout competitions at Senior level, before travelling the world.

Another old friend, Frances Penwarden, competing in the swimming events, joined the team in Perth. Frances competed with some of the water polo players as children, as a member of Cheam Ladies Swimming Club. Frances retired from competition for 25 years before coming out of retirement to compete in Masters swimming.

19/04/2008 Hants & South Coast Premier League, Round 1

This was the club's first year in the Hants & South Coast Premier League and the team swam brilliantly at Waterlooville on Saturday to take second place behind Guildford City in their gala of 8 teams; achieving a place in the top gala for the finals.

Amongst many fantastic swims, first places went to James DeBrunner, Eve Tidy Jacob Tidy (2) and Charlotte Reynolds plus a whole host of second places; and PBs too numerous to mention individually.

With just a few points in it at the end between 2nd and 4th, this was a great team effort with every point counting and every swimmer contributing to a stunning performance.

Well done to the following for a great performance: Adam Smith, Alfie Brown, Ashley Castle, Charlotte Reynolds, Chloe Bartram, Eve Tidy, Isabel Kirby, Jacob Tidy, James De Brunner, Joe Phillpott-Clark, Juliette Williamson, Kieran Castle, Killian Courtney, Louise Ager, Luke Mason, Maddison Kameta, Oliver Williamson, Olivia Taylor, Rosie Heape and William Ward

30/03/2008 Inter Counties Under 19 Water Polo

Sutton & Cheam players Stephen Bayles, Dave Smithson and Olly Holland took a day off from playing against local rivals Croydon Amphibians to join forces with them to take the Inter Counties title at Crowborough on Sunday. Easy wins over Kent (13-3) and Middlesex (21-7) in the opening rounds set up the crunch match of the day against Sussex; also unbeaten and also fielding some of their GB junior internationals.

This was a much tougher game with the scores level at half time (5-5). However, four goals from Stephen Bayles in the third quarter took the game out of reach. A great team performance in the second half enabled Surrey to a comfortable 14-7 victory to take the Championships for the second year running.

Top scorer for Surrey was Stephen Bayles with 12, followed closely by David Payne (CASC), Dave Smithson and Jack Sheppard (CASC). Olly Holland, normally an outfield player, showed his versatility putting in a superb performance between the posts to emulate his brother Matthew.

The team was:
(S&C SC) Olly Holland, Dave Smithson, Stephen Bayles
(CASC) Jonny Cannon, Tom Pearce, David Payne, Mark Pepper, Tom Price, Jack Sheppard

20/03/2008 Club Curry Evening

Club curry night at "The Star" in Cheam. A good time was had by all; parents and swimmers alike. The photo says it all.

15/03/2008 ASA Nationals Prelim Rounds - Water Polo

Well done to Sutton and Cheam's Under 16 Water Polo team who qualified for the National finals to be held next month in Manchester.

Despite a narrow loss (5-3) against City of Manchester, a 9-3 defeat of Cheltenham in the first game resulted in the team qualifying in second place to reach the ASA semi-finals at their first attempt.

The team comprised: Alex Sutton, Jack Miller, Jacob Tidy, Callum Donoghue, Joe Worland, William Jackson, Josh Miller, Tom Philpott-Clark, Ace Taylor, Michael Mason and James De Brunner.

14/03/2008 Isaac Tidy - South London Disability Partnership swimming gala

Congratulations to Sutton & Cheam swimmer Isaac Tidy who, representing Robin Hood School in the South London Disability Partnership swimming gala, won 3 Gold Medals in the 2 lengths back, 2 lengths free and the 1 length backstroke events. Congratulations to Sutton & Cheam swimmer Isaac Tidy who, representing Robin Hood School in the South London Disability Partnership swimming gala, won 3 Gold Medals in the 2 lengths back, 2 lengths free and the 1 length backstroke events.

Isaac is hoping to be selected to represent Sutton again in the Youth Games this year.

12/03/2008 6 Nations Water Polo Tournament 2008 - Limerick

Sutton & Cheam's Matt Holland and Stephen Bayles contributed to a superb performance by the Great Britain Junior Water Polo Team in the Six Nations Water Polo Tournament in Limerick, Eire over the 12th - 16th March weekend.

Despite the tournament being for Senior sides, GB decided to put in their Under 19 team for experience, in preparation for the European Championships Qualifying tournament later in the season.

The juniors were not overawed by the experience, drawing 7-7 with Ireland; beating Switzerland 11-9 and Sweden 12-10. Unfortunately, a below par performance against Denmark (8-15) meant that the side had to beat tournament favourites, Belgium to have a shot at the title. Despite some heroics on the pitch, not least by goalkeeper Matt Holland saving two penalties, the side narrowly went down 10-8 in the best game of the tournament to finish 4th on goal difference.

To put this result into perspective, Switzerland, beaten by the GB Juniors in their second game, ultimately finished 2nd by virtue of a marginally better goal difference.

The team came back from Limerick having gained from the experience and hope it will stand them in good stead at later tournaments.

It should be noted that the parents came back from Limerick having sampled the unrivalled hospitality of the Irish and can't wait to get back. The tournament was also notable as a Sutton & Cheam reunion as Marc 'Choccy' Zumbüehl, a Sutton and Cheam player in their National League side, played for the Swiss team. Bragging rights were therefore even; GB beating the Swiss in their game; the Swiss finishing above them in the final table.

09/03/2008 Surrey Age Group

Last weekend saw a stunning finale to the Surrey County Championships. The club's medal tally was fantastic, with a silver and 7 bronze medals. Add in another 21 ribbons for top 8 places and it was the club's most successful Surreys for many years. There were loads of other brilliant performances; too many PBs to count, and top 8 places in 5 relays.

Special mention must also go to Jacob Tidy who swam in the 800m Free, the first club swimmer to compete in a distance event in a very long time.

Silver Medal: Eve Tidy; Girls 50M Breaststroke Bronze Medals: Jason Foo Kune; Boys 50M Backstroke Nicole Barron; Girls 100M Backstroke Lyndsey Robinson; Girls 100M Backstroke, 100M IM & 50M Backstroke Elisabeth Williamson; Girls 50M Breaststroke, 50M Freestyle

• Alfie Brown; Boys 200M Backstroke
• Alice Rogers; Girls 50M Backstroke, 50M Butterfly, 50M Freestyle
• Eleanor Quinn; Girls 100M Butterfly
• Elisabeth Williamson; Girls 100M Freestyle
• Eve Tidy; Girls 100M Breaststroke
• James De Brunner; Boys 200M Butterfly, 100M Butterfly, 50M Butterfly
• James McFarlane; Boys 50M Backstroke
• Lyndsey Robinson; Girls 50M Butterfly, 50M Freestyle, 100M Freestyle
• Reanna Howells; Girls 100M Butterfly

Boys 12-13 4x50 Medley Relay Girls 9-11 4x50 Medley Relay Girls 16 & Over 4x 100M Freestyle Relay Boys 12-13 4x50 Freestyle Relay Girls 9-11 4x50 Freestyle Relay

Well done to everyone who swam individually and represented the club in the relays, even if it was only 1 race. You can feel proud of how we did, and how good Sutton & Cheam looked both in and out of the pool.

09/03/2008 WWPL U14

Not to be outdone by their younger club mates, the under 14 team completed their winter league with an unbeaten record to top the league table.

Wins over Croydon Amphibians (7-3, 3-1, 5-1) Watford (7-0, 6-2, 8-2) Haywards Heath (8-1, 6-1, 8-2) lead to the overall record Played 9, Won 9, Goals For 58, Goals Against 13.

Too many goals to mention but top scorers over the tournaments were William Jackson, and Jacob Tidy. Matthew Ovens and Michael Mason sharing goal-keeping duties.

the team was: Ace Taylor, Jacob Tidy, William Jackson, Michael Mason, Matthew Ovens, Rebecca Hedges, Brooke Tafazolli, Nicole Barron, James DeBrunner, Luke Mason, James MacFarlane, Eve Tidy and Reanna Howells.

02/03/2008 WWPL U16

This year's Under 16 league, completed on Sunday was strongly contested with Worthing (with several GB Juniors on show) turning out deserving winners, over a fast-improving West London Penguin side.

Given that all but one of the players can play in the same age group next year, Sutton's under 16 team put in an excellent performance to finish 3rd out of 8 in the Winter Water Polo League with the record Played 10, Won 6, Lost 4. Goals for 47, Goals against 35.

The team consisted of Matt Amis, Callum Donoghue, Joe Worland, Jack Miller, Josh Miller, Alex Sutton, Alice Rogers, Ellie Quin, Jacob Tidy, Tom Philpott-Clark, William Jackson and Ace Taylor.

24/02/2008 Sutton & Cheam/Hailsham take WWPL Ladies Junior Title

Six players from Sutton & Cheam joined forces with Hailsham SC to take the WWPL Junior Ladies title on Sunday, repeating last year's victory.

The highlight of the final tournament of the season was a convincing 9-1 win over Croydon/Beckenham with Sutton's Alice Rogers (3), Ellie Quin, (2), Rebecca Hedges (2), Brooke Tafazolli, (1) and Hailsham's Isobel Bates (1) getting on the score sheet.The next game against Sevenoaks was the game of the season with neither team giving an inch.

The S&C/Hailsham combo only succumbed to a 1-0 defeat in the dying seconds of the game.This was an excellent performance against a team who had beaten them convincingly a month earlier.

Although the team didn't have it all their own way, wins over Beckenham/Croydon (10-2,   9-3, 9-1) and Sevenoaks (6-3), were enough to win the league with the record Played 6, Won 4, Lost 2.

The team was: Alice Rogers, Ellie Quin, Hannah Barron, Sophie Ovens, Rebecca Hedges and Brooke Tafazolli (S&C); Amy Styles, Louise Bampton, Isobel Bates and Georgina Pashler (Hailsham)

24/02/2008 WWPL U12 - League Champions

Congratulations to the Under 12 water polo team who have finished their matches losing only a single match in the entire season with the record played 6, won 5, lost 1, for 28, against 11 to take the League title. The winning team was: Reanna Howells, Eve Tidy, Oliver Williamson, Kieran Castle, Nancy Clare, Mofe Wilkey, Alfie Brown, Samuel Rees, Ashley Castle, Isaac Tidy and Matthew Helps. Top scorer over the season was Eve Tidy who had the distinction of scoring in every game.

Eve was followed closely on the score sheet by Oliver Williamson, Reanna Howells and Alfie Brown but the it was the team performance which pleased.

09/02/2008 Presentation Evening & Disco

For the second year running, parents and swimmers of Sutton & Cheam Swimming Club descended on the Stoneleigh Inn to celebrate the achievements and successes of the 2007 season with a Presentation Evening and Disco.

Club Championship medal and trophy winners were presented by club president, Fred Andrews , whist the club was also delighted to welcome Anna Clark of the Jack Petchey Foundation to present the Jack Petchey Award winners.

The presentations were followed by a buffet and disco and the evening was a tremendous success.

A big thank you to Rosalind Taylor for organising this event and to Nicky Reynolds and Helen Andrews for organising the trophies.

03/02/2008 - WWPL U14

Sutton & Cheam's Under 14 side dominated the opposition and took the Winter Water Polo League title by storm with a 100% record when the league completed on Sunday.

Wins over Watford (7-0, 6-2, 8-2), Haywards Heath (8-1, 6-1, 8-2) and Croydon Amphibians (7-3, 3-1, 5-1), resulted in the enviable record: Played 9, Won 9, Goals for 58, Goals against 13. Although over the season William Jackson and Jacob Tidy were top scorers for the team, no fewer than 9 players contributed to the goals tally, whilst Matthew Ovens and Michael Mason shared goal-keeping duties.

Overall, this was a great effort by a young team as half of Sutton's players are eligible to play in the same age group next year.

Team: Matthew Ovens, Michael Mason, Jacob Tidy, Luke Mason, Brooke Tafazolli, James McFarlane, Nicole Barron, Rebecca Hedges, William Jackson, Ace Taylor and James DeBrunner.

27/01/2008 - WWPL Ladies Junior (with Hailsham)

Despite a 3-5 defeat by a fast-improving Sevenoaks side, 4 goals from Alice Rogers and another from Ellie Quin helped the team to a 9-3 win over Beckenham/Croydon which was enough to keep the Hailsham/Sutton & Cheam at the top of the Winter League table.

The team was: Amy Styles, Louise Bampton, Isobel Bates and Georgina Pashler (Hailsham)
Alice Rogers, Ellie Quin, Hannah Barron, Sophie Ovens and Rebecca Hedges (S&C)

27/01/2008 - Under 12s Continue their Winning Streak

The U12 team continued to impress in the Winter League enjoying a 7-2 victory over Beckenham with two goals each from Eve Tidy and Reanna Howells and a well-worked debut goal for Matthew Helps among the highlights (missed by his dad, Mick - that'll teach him to go skiing!)

A man-of-the match performance from goalkeeper Mofe Wilkey then allowed the team to a 6-1 win over Croydon Amphibians with Kieran Castle, Alfie Brown and Nancy Clare adding to the score sheet.

So far they have won all 4 of their matches and are top of the league.

27/01/2008 Cranleigh Open

Bleary eyed from Saturday night's efforts at the Borough Prmary Schools Gala, a small band of S&C swimmers descended on Cranleigh for their Open Gala.

Ashley Castle repeated his performance to claim the 50m butterfly gold, while Charlotte Reynolds was second in the 50m Butterfly.

Rebecca Hedges won the first of her two golds in the 100m butterfly, following up with another win the 100m freestyle. Nicole Barron took the silver in the 100IM, whilst not to be outdone, Nicole's older sister Hannah, claimed bronze medals in both the backstroke and freestyle.

26/01/2008 Sutton Primary Schools Gala

Sutton & Cheam swimmers had a field day at the Primary School Championships held on Saturday, with club swimmers taking 11 of the 14 Gold medals on offer, plus 5 silver and 6 bronze medals into the bargain. With a further 17 finalists, Sutton & Cheam look good for the future.

Stars of the show were Ashley Castle and Charlotte Reynolds, who each scooped three gold's and a silver medal.

Sutton & Cheam's other Borough Champions were Alfie Brown, Kieran Castle, Killian Courtney, Lewis Maslin and Juliette Williamson. Medallists included Rosie Heape, Chloe Bartram, Joe Philpott-Clark, Ross James and Louis Meffan.

It was in the Boys Year 4/5 breaststroke, and the Boys Butterfly where S&C gained their most notable successes with a clean sweep of the medals. In the backstroke, Ashley Castle took the gold, with Ross James and Louis Meffan pushing him all the way to take the silver and bronze medals respectively.

S&C's second clean sweep of the medals came in the Boys butterfly where Lewis Maslin took the gold just inches ahead of Ashley Castle, with Ashley's brother Kieran taking the bronze.

Kieran however secured some bragging rights in the Castle household, to take the backstroke Gold.

13/01/2008 WWPL U12

Sutton and Cheam U12s showed great character in their opening Winter League games last weekend. A young and inexperienced side won both their opening games against strong opposition from Croydon (5-3) and Beckenham (5-3). Six of the nine members of the squad made up from boys and girls at Sutton and Cheam Swimming Club, were making their water Polo debut.

Coach Mick Helps was pleased to see new players come into the sport and do so well. This was a true team performance, which bodes well for the club.

06/01/2008 - WWPL Ladies Junior (with Hailsham)

Sutton & Cheam's Alice Rogers, Ellie Quin, Hannah Barron, Sophie Ovens and Rebecca Hedges combined with Hailsham SC in the Winter Water Polo League Ladies Junior Division on Sunday. Wins over Beckenham/Croydon (10-2) and Sevenoaks (6-3) pushed the combined team straight to the top of the Winter League table after the first tournament of the season.

The team was: Alice Rogers, Ellie Quin, Hannah Barron, Sophie Ovens and Rebecca Hedges (S&C)

Amy Styles, Louise Bampton, Isobel Bates and Georgina Pashler (Hailsham)

04/01/2008 Matt Holland selected for GB Senior Team for Dubrovnik Croatia

Sutton & Cheam's, Matt Holland is one step close to his goal of playing in the 2012 Olympics after becoming the youngest player in the GB Senior water polo team.

Matt won his first senior international cap at the recent European Championship qualification tournament in Dubrovnik, Croatia. Although GB managed just a draw against Slovenia, and two defeats to Croatia and Montenegro; that was no disgrace against three of the World's top water polo nations.

Matt coped so well with his baptism of fire against World Champions Croatia that he was named man-of-the-match after his debut.

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