28 Apr 2008 - Press Report - Avalon, Cotswold, Southern Junior League

It’s been a busy few weeks for swimmers from Frome Swimming Club.  Starting with the Avalon Open Meet held at Millfield 50m pool where 15 swimmers took part in a total of 105 races recording a magnificent 100 personal best times.  Coach Karen Pinniger said this was an impressive achievement as it meant the swimmers had performed better than they had ever done before.  After the two days of strong competition the club were placed 10^th out of 25 and Antony Lockyer walked away with the trophy for top male swimmer in the open age group having gained four 1^st places, five 2^nds and two 5^ths.  Other swimmers finishing with top 6 places were Alice Dixon 5^th, Emily Dixon 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd and 5^th, Gina McGuinness 4^th, Howie Phillips 3^rd, Josh Jobbins 5^th and 6^th, Luke Hibberd 6^th, Matthew Hann 5^th, Ryan Hann three 2^nds , 3^rd, 5^th and 6^th and Keira Leigh Underhill 5^th.

The junior swimmers then travelled to Bridport for the first round of the Southern Junior League.  This prestigious competition is restricted to swimmers who are 12 and under.  Frome found themselves at a disadvantage due to the way the school holidays fell, with several key swimmers away, whilst other competing clubs had been back at school for a week.  However there were some gallant swimmers who took part in their very first competition and recorded some good personal best times.  The coach was particularly impressed by Emily Dixon who won both her individual events and played a key role in the relay teams.  Overall there were 21 personal bests recorded and the swimmers enjoyed the event.

The full squad then had the fourth round of the Cotswold League to contend with.  The coach watched from the sidelines remaining impartial as both her teams were competing.  Once again there were some excellent swims with 19 events producing personal best times.  Emily Dixon shone through again winning both her individual events, setting the standard for the relays and recording a 2^nd in the individual medley swimming for the age group above her own.  Other swimmers recording more than one 1^st place were Gina McGuinness and Antony Lockyer.  Unfortunately Frome’s efforts weren’t enough to beat local rivals Wells & Shepton Mallet on who themselves were narrowly beaten to the top spot by Cinderford with Cheddar being placed 4^th.

Frome will have to wait and see which group final they will be in and coach Karen said that if they continue to train hard they would see further rewards.