Clevedon swimming club had a team in action on Saturday 10th March in a home gala at Strode Road Leisure Centre. This was the next gala in this year's Cotswold Series. In the Cotswold Series swimmers who have swam in individual races in the Speedo league are ineligible to compete in the individual races. This put Clevedon at a severe disadvantage as two of the competing clubs are not in the Speedo League this year. Individual race wins were few and far between and it was largely in the relays that Clevedon's ability shone through.

Clevedon swimmers tried extremely hard and finished in third place. Full positions are:

Cheltenham 165
Lydney 131
Clevedon 122
Southwold 98

Lydney were never out of Clevedon's reach in the gala, but the gap proved impossible to close.

Individual race victories went to Bethan Clinton, Jamie Gould, India Thomas (2) and Ben Horner. India did exceptionally well as one of the 12 yr olds wins was in the 15 and under Butterfly. Relay victories went to Elliot Poulter (2), Ben Horner (2), Tom Jones (2), Matthew Bray (2), Chelsie Kirman, Bethan Clinton, Sophie Hicks, Rebecca Parsons, Kelly Waygood, Megan Prideaux (2), Rosemary Harris, Ellena Ibal (2), Katie Lee and Vicky Smith. Jamie Gould, Dave Stewart, Joe Iles and Steve Bowen won the open age group freestyle relay and also were a distance ahead in the medley relay, only to be disqualified by a debatable judging call on a changeover.

PB's went to Taylor Bennett, Jamie Gould, Ben Horner, Nick Kelly (3), Suzannah King, Adam Ollis (2), Elliot Poulter, Vicky Smith (2), India Thomas (2) and Patrick Trower. Next weekend sees the resumption of the Somerset County Championships with plenty of Clevedon Swimmers in contention.

Graham Feboul
Press Officer