Youths End, BAGCATs Begin

Swindon Dolphin youth and senior swimmers finished off the 2009 Wiltshire County Championships campaign in style this weekend with some impressive performances at the Link Centre.

Elizabeth Beckett hit the National qualifying mark in the Championship final of the 200m individual medley, also picking up the Championship title and a new Championship Best Time (CBT).  Beckett also took the 200m breaststroke Championship, dipping under the 2:40 mark for the first time in a new club record of 2:39.88.  Not to be outdone, Tilly Gray was again on form in the 200m butterfly, finishing well clear of the rest of the field in a new CBT and club record of 2:19.32.  Jon Audis regained his 50m backstroke Championship title and it was a clean sweep for Cathal Westman in the breaststroke swims, completing the set with a Junior Championship in the 200m event.

Dolphin again dominated in the final youth competition medal tally, collecting a total of 123 gold, 85 silver and 68 bronze.  This includes 27 Junior and Senior Championship titles from the 72 on offer.

The 9 to 14 year old boys and 9 to 13 year old girls (BAGCATS) started their competition on the Sunday.  The youngsters picked up where the youths and seniors left off, winning a total of 22 gold medals and dominating all four relay events.  Samantha Berry was in awesome form, rewriting the record books with two new Age Group Best Times in the 200m individual medley and 100m freestyle.

With ten events through, the BAGCAT tables are looking promising with 18 Dolphin swimmers in top six places.  Currently in top three places are Lauren Matthews (1st – 11 years), James Clark (1st – 14 years), Samantha Berry (2nd – 12 years), Jack Patey (3rd – 9 years), Rebecca Matthews (3rd – 9 years), Matthew Sambrook (3rd – 13 years), Joe Kerslake (3rd – 14 years).  However, there’s a lot more swimming to do, and anything can change ….. and probably will.

Click here for full results.