Hockey option gives Abby a tough choice

It has been four out of four at the Brodies Schools Relay Championships for Mary Erskine School's Abby Orr, Katy Smith, Hannah Ewing and Niamh Ritchie. Throughout their time at secondary school, the same four girls have achieved the freestyle and medley double.

Mary Erskines (left to right) Abby Orr, Katy Smith, Hannah Ewing, Niamh Ritchie top the podium.

But the chances of them completing an unprecedented six-year clean sweep hangs in the balance. Abby, a talented sporting all-rounder, is considering dropping out of serious swim training.

“I think I am going to concentrate on my hockey,” said the fourth-year pupil after helping the quartet notch up another success at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh. ”I play for East of Scotland Under-16s and I’ve also had a trial for the Scottish squad.

“I’m also keen on athletics and been involved in gymnastics. But I might try and swim again for the team next year.”

But even if the four Warrender girls do return in 12 months’ time, they reckon it could be tough to make it a successful run through the six years.

“Next year will be tough because we will be in the Open category with talented swimmers from all age groups,” said Katy, who trains with the other three girls at the Warrender Club.

This year, Mary Erskine finished second to St George’s School in both events in the Open category.

Woodmill High School will be attempting to copy Mary Erskine. Morven Lister, Emma Russell, Rebecca Braid and Ellie Turner won both the Senior 1 relays. They all train with the Carnegie Club in Dunfermline.

A similar double was completed by George Watson’s boys in Senior 1. Alasdair Petersen, Josh Aspinall, Daniel Saunders and Finlay Scott are another Warrender quartet to climb to the top of the podium.

Strathallan boys won both the relays in the Open section. Dylan Sommerville, Allan Chu, Scott McLay and Ryan 
Curtis claimed the medley gold. With Ryan sitting an exam in the morning, Jonathan Wong proved to be a perfect replacement in the 4 x 50m freestyle.

The Championship attracted schools from all over Scotland Talented squads came from as far away as the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway in the north and Stranraer Academy in the south.

The top overall award reflects consistency and strength in depth and Banchory Academy returned home with the coveted Cup.

Now everyone is looking forward to the individual championships next January. Thanks to Brodies, Scottish schools swimming continues to go from strength to strength.