Swimming
Pershore deliver success against bigger opposition

GIVING their successful youngsters a rest, it was an older Pershore Swimming Club team which competed in Wolverhampton at the Stourbridge club's Profab Shield Gala against some of the region's bigger clubs, yet once again our local swimmers delivered the goods.

Following on from their recent promotion success in the prestigious Diddy League and again punching above their weight, Pershore came a very creditable fourth behind much bigger clubs including Kingsbury, Stourbridge and Redditch.

Pershore recorded a staggering 17 podium places including eight first places, two seconds and seven third places, plus 13 personal best during the event.

Hannah Simister produced an excellent performance in the girls 11-year-old 50m breaststroke, storming to first place and a new personal best of 45.71.

Owen Leeks was in top form as he took first place in the boys 12-year-old 50m backstroke in a time of 36.01 and secured a County Qualifying Time into the bargain.

Michael Evans produced a good all-round display, taking third place in the boys 13-years 50m freestyle in a new PB of 31.08 and fourth place in the 13-years 50m breaststroke, again in a new PB of 42.02.

Angus Jones, following on from his recent triple success at the Stourbridge Development Open, secured third place in the boys 14-year-old 100m backstroke in 1.13.20 which was a new PB.

Harry Sykes took gold in the boys 14-year-old 100m breaststroke in a County Qualifying Time of 1.17.82 and Josh Sharratt was first in the boys 11-year-old backstroke in a good time of 41.76.

Simon Sweatman secured two first places, winning the boys 11-year-old 50m freestyle and 50m fly - both in County Qualifying Times. Amy Weston got a CQT in the girls 50m backstroke in a time of 40.31.

Lizzy Vizard achieved third place in the girls 14-year 100m breaststroke in 1.29.28, whilst 12-year-old Drew Jones came second in the 50m breaststroke in 43.59 and 13-year-old Ella Spencer won bronze in the 50m backstroke in 39.92.

Other swimmers who smashed PBs included Casarena Farreira in the girls 12-year-old freestyle, Jasmine Taite in the 50m freestyle and 50m fly and also Jake Spencer in the 50m backstroke.

In the boys 11-year 50m breaststroke Ollie Gill smashed his PB by recording a time of 54.95.

The final results were Kingsbury 310 points, Stourbridge 301, Redditch 262, Pershore 242, Bromsgrove 210, Evesham 201, Oldbury 139 and Warley 106.

Tom McNaughton, Pershore's head coach, said: "This was another strong performance from our swimmers, especially against much bigger clubs.

"This event gives some of our youngsters the opportunity to swim competitively for the first time and not necessarily in their strongest events.

"It's great to see so many swimmers stepping up, smashing personal bests and delivering some outstanding performances.

"They once again showed the team spirit and desire to win that is running through Pershore Swimming Club."

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