Butler Top in Corsham BAGCAT Event

Event: Corsham Open Meet

Venue: Springfield Leisure Centre, Corsham (25m)

Date: 12th & 13th January 2008

A large contingent of mostly young Dolphin swimmers took the opportunity to warm up for the Wiltshire Championships at Corsham last weekend. Dolphin achieved five top three finishes in the overall BAGCAT competition, with pride of place going to Andrew Butler who finished first in the Boys 11 year old group. Runners up spots were secured by Bethani Crouch and William Pilsworth, with Harriett Ritson and Stephanie Dabbs both claiming third place in their respective age groups.

Special mention must also be made of the in-form Victoria Jennings whose commitments at the Dragon meet in Swansea on Sunday left her unable to register points in all categories and who would almost certainly have ended up in top spot otherwise. 

Andrew Butler

In the individual events,  Jennings led the medal table with three first place finishes. Butler, Crouch, William Pilsworth, Ritson and Dabbs all collected multi medal hauls including a single gold, and Miriam Bermingham completed Dolphin’s nine top spots. Other medallists were Sarah Baker (two silver and one bronze), Abby Easter (one silver) and Teddy Pilsworth (one bronze).

Twenty of the 25 medals were won in 200m events, demonstrating that the young swimmers are not only developing good speed, but are building the stamina required for the longer distances that will be required of them at Wiltshire level and beyond.

Stephanie Dabbs

It wasn’t just the medal winners that will be pleased with their personal performances. Throughout the entire squad a total of 68 new personal best times were achieved, along with 31 new Wiltshire qualifying times. And from the club’s perspective, the success over the weekend of Stephanie Dabbs and William Pilsworth again underlines the value of the Swim Channel initiative, from which both of these swimmers have emerged.

For more information about joining Swim Channel: recruitment@swindon-dolphin.org.uk

Source: Swindon Dolphin Press Team