Norton Radstock Swimming Club got off to a flying start in the new Winter Series season, with a victory of 38 points at their home gala on Saturday.
The home team took the lead from the start and victory was never in doubt. Wellington held on to second place throughout the competition, despite attempts from third place, Burnham-on-Sea, to close the gapand Bridgwater came fourth.
Overall, Norton Radstock won twelve of the individual events, Nick Britton (Individual Medley), Edie Gudmunsen and Christian Gregory (Freestyle), Zachary Keeling, Daniel Crocker, Mary Inns and Matt Dark (Breaststroke), Conor Ford, Connie Glover, Freddie Lenihan and Nick Britton (Backstroke) and Christian Gregory (Butterfly). However, their main strength came from the relay teams, which took first place in fourteen of the seventeen team events.
Thirteen Personal Bests were set by Louise Weston, Edie Gudmunsen, Georgia Vause, Zachary Keeling, Christian Gregory, Daniel Crocker, Harriet Poppy Hawkins, Connie Glover, Thomas Barrow, Sam Church, Lauren Glover and Matt Dark (two).
One age group stood out for performance and consistency – the Boys'-11 and Under team of Christian Gregory, Conor Ford, Zachary Keeling, Finley Rogers and Joseph McLachlan, who were unbeaten in all of their races.
The new season gives new swimmers a chance to take part in the team matches. This month, Katie Boby, Daniel Crocker, Macey Newman, Louise Weston and Harriet Poppy Hawkins made their debut for the Winter Series. As well as swimming in his own age group, team debutant, Daniel Crocker, also swam up an age group and helped the Boys'-15 and Under Freestyle Team to a first place victory. Special thanks go to Sarah Britton, Matt Dark and Lauren Glover, who travelled back from university to take part in the event.
The next round of the Winter Series is at Wellington on Saturday, 10th November. The club welcomes new swimmers, aged five plus. For details, phone: 01761 416821.