11 swimmers from Frome Swimming Club took part in the second weekend of the Somerset County Championships at Weston Super Mare. Luke Hibberd was placed 7th in the 200m Backstroke, Ryan Hann was silver medallist in the 200m Breaststroke and Antony Lockyer made it to the final of the 100m Butterfly where he was placed 7th. All 11 competing swimmers achieved personal best times, much to the delight of coach Karen Pinniger, who said they had all stuck to their race plans and were reaping the rewards.
Following their successes at Weston there came the next round of the Cotswold League. Frome were disappointed with the draw, which saw them up against two of the fancied teams in the league in Cheltenham and Bristol Penguins with Backwell as the fourth. There was a pensive mood on the coach as they travelled to Easton in Bristol to compete. Once in the pool the nerves settled and there were some very good performances resulting in 1st places being awarded to Antony Lockyer in the Male Open Individual Medley, Rachel Palarm in the Female 25m Butterfly, Emily Dixon in the Female 50m Freestyle and Ryan Hann in the Male 25m Breaststroke. The Female Freestyle Relay team consisting of Abigail Hanney, Sophie Evans, Bryany Cornish and Emily Dixon were in one of the closest races of the day. With nothing to choose between the first three teams it was down to the place judges to separate them and Frome’s girls were awarded an excellent 1st. Personal best times were achieved in 10 of the races which raised cheers on the return journey in spite of Frome’s disappointing last place with 112 points to Backwell’s 121, Bristol Penguins’ 134 and Cheltenham’s 1st place 156. For further information about Frome Swimming Club whether you are interested in competing or learning to swim, contact Gill Phippen on 01373 462902.