Clevedon Tigersharks trounced 5 Bristol clubs in the latest round of the Mini Series at Strode on Saturday 16th July. They led from start to finish and ended up winning the gala by a whopping 20 points from second placed Bishopsworth, who fielded a strong side. A measure of Clevedon's dominance was that they won 25 of the races. Close to half of the programme.

Things didn't seem quite so rosy before the event though. Availability issues meant that many inexperienced swimmers were thrown in the deep end! George Harris, Andrew Payne, Tom Jones and Paddy Trower all performed with distinction, often swimming against much older opponents, and demonstrated the strength in depth that Clevedon can now draw upon.

First places were achieved by Chelsie Kirman (2), Laura Neal, Andrew Payne, Sophie Hicks, Megan Prideax, Amber Summerell, Tom Jones, Steph Reynolds, George Harris, India Thomas, Ryan Neath, Girls 10 & under Medley and Free, Boys 10 & under Medley and Free, Girls 11 yr Medley and Free, Girls 13 yr Medley and Free, Boys 13 yr Medley and Free and Girls 12 yr Medley relay teams.

PB's were gained by Hayley Burston, Jenni Gilbert, Evey Carpenter, Sophie Hicks (2), India Thomas, Amber Summerell, Sam Thornton, James Newton, Ryan Neath, George Harris, Andrew Payne (2), Tom Jones and Paddy Trower.

Chelsie Kirman was majestic in all her races and won the Star Swimmer award. Sadly, this was the last gala that Megan Prideaux can swim for the junior squad, but she went out with a bang and will, hopefully, continue to dominate in senior squad events from now on. This was a home gala and the organisation of the event by Chris Neal was flawless as usual. Support from parents and swimmers alike was fantastic and eardrums are probably only now starting to recover.

The next gala of the series takes place on the 1st October and the final round is on 29th October. Clevedon Tigersharks are well placed to regain the title that they won last year.

Graham Feboul