01 Oct 2012

PERSHORE DELIVERS AGAINST BIGGER OPPOSITION 

Pershore Swimming Club sent a more experienced senior team to compete in the Profab Shield Gala against some of the region's bigger clubs in Wolverhampton at the weekend and once again 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 credible fourth place behind much bigger clubs including Kingsbury, Stourbridge and Redditch as well as edging out local rivals, Evesham, into sixth place. 

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 breast stroke, storming to first place and a new pb of 45.71. 

Owen Leeks was in top form, taking first place in the boys 12 year old 50m back stroke in a time of 36.01 and securing a County Qualifying Time in 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 breast stroke again in a new pb of 42.02. 

Angus Jones, following on from his recent triple success at the Stourbridge Development Open, secured a third place in the boys 14 year old 100m back stroke in 1.13.20 and a new pb. 

Harry Sykes took gold in the boys 14 year old 100m breast in a County Qualifying Time of 1.17.82 and Josh Sharratt took first place 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 û both in County Qualifying Times. Amy Weston got a CQT in the girls 50m back stroke in a time of 40.31.

Podium places were also secured by Lizzy Vizard (third) in the girls 14 year 100m breast stroke in 1.29.28, Andrew 'Drew' Jones (second) in the boys 12 year 50m breast stroke in 43.59, Ella Spencer (third) in the girls 13 year 50m back in 39.92 

Other swimmers who smashed pbs including Cxxx Farreira in the girls 12 year old freestyle, Jasmin Taite in the 50m freestyle and 50m fly and also Jake Spencer in the 50m back stroke. Ollie Gill, competing in his first competitive swim in the boys 11 year 50m breast stroke, smashed his pb recording a time of 54.95. 

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

Tom Naughton, Pershore's head coach, said: "Another strong performance from our swimmers especially against much bigger clubs. This event gives some of our youngster 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."

Tim Gearey

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