County swimmers make a splash

Shropshire swimmers made a real splash when they took part at the Stourbridge Crystal Open at Wolverhampton Central Baths.

Plenty of the main trophies headed back to the county with swimmers from Oakengates, Wellington, Bridgnorth-based Northgate and Whitchurch all enjoying success on the day.

Oakengates had six overall combined winners, a further three firsts, five seconds and seven thirds – a haul good enough to earn them fourth place out of 39 clubs at the gala.

The event attracted a high-class field with entries from clubs across the Midlands –and swimmers from top clubs Wrexham, Wirral Metro and City of Carlisle also in attendance

Star of the show was Oakengates' Maddy Tracy, 13, who picked up six victories including the overall trophies in the 100m freestyle, 200 individual medley and 200 free. She also gained Midland qualifying times in six events.

Fellow Oakengates ace Robert Adams, 12, was the overall champion in the 200m breaststroke, 50m breast and 200m individual medley in his age group – and also achieved two Midland qualifying times.

Another Shropshire swimmer to hit the Midland standard was Northgate's Kim Donaldson in finishing second in the 200m breaststroke for 14-year-old girls.

Other first place finishes for the Shropshire boys were achieved by Wellington's James Beebee, 14, in the 200m fly; Northgate's Will Lewis, 9, in the 50m free and 50m fly; and his club-mate Jack Sanders,10, who won the overall crystal goblet in the 50m breaststroke.

Northgate's Megan Redshaw, 13, was the other winner for the Shropshire girls, taking the 200m breaststroke trophy.

Nine-year-old Pippa Roebuck, who is from Newport and now swims for Stafford Apex, picked up the trophies for winning the 50m free, 100m individual medley and the 50m backstroke.

Other Shropshire trophy winners for finishing second or third in their event were:

Macauley Carline, Olivia Simmonds and Holly Barnett (all Wellington) Kiran Bhatia, Hannah Dodwell, Summer Young and Caroline Tracy (all Oakengates), Philipa Brown and Robbie Ross (both Northgate), and Bryony Archdeacon (Whitchurch).

By SEAN WOZENCROFT