Clevedon took a strong squad across the Bristol Channel at the weekend to Penarth, to compete in the 'Cardiff & the Vale Sprint Meet'. From a team of 14, 12 achieved Personal Best Times and 10 reached finals, so winning medals.

Suzi Bowen skippered the side in sweltering conditions at the Cogan Leisure centre - worse for spectators than swimmers who could at least dive into the nice cool water periodically. She inspired Louisa Arnold, Steve Bowen, Ali Feboul, Sophie Feboul, Chelsie Kirman, Laura Neal, Megan Prideaux, Kim Reynolds, Stephanie Reynolds, Tom Riddell, Vicki Smith and India Thomas to PB's. Special mention must be given to Louisa Arnold who smashed her PB's on 50m Breastroke and her 50m Backstroke time by nearly 7 seconds.

Finalists and their placings in the finals were: India Thomas two 1sts, a 3rd, a 4th and a 5th, Laura Neal a 6th, Sophie Feboul a 1st and a 2nd, Stephanie Reynolds a 6th, Megan Prideaux a 4th, Tom Riddell a 6th, Vicki Smith two 6ths, Katie Lee a 6th, Chelsie Kirman a 4th, Ali Feboul a 4th and Lisa Hutchison was a reserve finalist.

Highlights of the event were two personal duals. Firstly between India Thomas and top ranked Welsh swimmer Sian Harkin, where India came out on top with two Golds on the Saturday and Sian coming back strongly on the Sunday. Secondly, Sophie Feboul locked swords with Amy Chadwick of City of Salford. Sophie beat Amy in the Butterfly but had to settle for Silver in the Freestyle.

Graham Feboul