Clevedon Swimming Club went to Keynsham swimming pool on Sunday 21st October to defend the Mini Series shield in the final of this year's competition. This is a trophy that Clevedon won last year and have won twice in the past three years. They went into the final having won all previous rounds of the competition and knowing that only a disaster would prevent them from retaining the Shield. However, the event clashed with the Avalon Open competition held at Millfield School on the Saturday and Sunday and many of the squads best swimmers were unable to swim in the Mini Series. As it turned out, there was nothing to worry about and Clevedon led from start to finish to win the gala and retain the trophy comfortably.

Final positions were:

Clevedon 263
Soundwell 235
Penguins 198
Bristol North 132
Bristol Central 130
Bishopsworth 116

Individual race winners were:
Sophie Feboul (2), George Harris, Elliot Poulter, Matthew Bray, Suzannah King (2), Ben Horner (2), Danielle Appleford, Guy Prideaux, India Thomas, Bethan Clinton and Lee Hicks.
The following were members of winning relay teams:

Abi Sudol, Kelsey Khardine, Iona Thomas, Elspeth McGowan, Patrick Riddell (2), William Mathias (2), Guy Prideaux (2), Samual Knowlton (2), Lee Hicks (2), Jared Overton (2), Elliot Poulter (2), Matthew Bray (2), Rosemary Harris (2), Bethan Clinton (2), India Thomas (2), Sophie Feboul (2), Jack DeViell, Ben Horner, George Harris, Aaran Thomas, Bethan Clark, Suzannah King, Elizabeth Warnes, Bethany Hodge and the Mixed 200m Relay team.

The evening's Star Swimmer was Ben Horner for some blistering performances, but the real stars were Jane Cooley and Tom Riddell - joint team managers for this year's series. Their hard work is reflected in the success of the team.

PB's were achieved by Bethan Clark, Olivia Coombes, Jack De Viell, Emily Harden, Lee Hicks (2), Aaran Thomas (2) and Patrick Trower.

This was the last Mini Series gala for Sophie Feboul, Bethan Clinton and Rosemary Harris as they will be too old for next year's competition, they have been massive assets to the squad, over the years, and will be missed.

Meanwhile, over at Millfield School, Clevedon were enjoying success in the prestigious Avalon Open. 12 of the best swimmers in the squad took part, swimming in 80 races, a staggering 55 of which were top ten finishes! The medal haul was 7 Golds, 5 Silver and 4 Bronze medals.

The star of the show for Clevedon was Tom Jones who PB'd in all 6 of his swims. On a weekend he will never forget, he won 4 Gold medals (50m Free, 100m Free, 50m Fly 200m IM) and picked up 2 4th places. Ellena Ibal won Gold in the 50m Backstroke and Silver in the 100m Freestyle and 100m Backstroke. Stephinie Reynolds won the Gold Medal for the 50m Free and Silver for the 50m Fly. Sophie Hicks won Gold in the 50m Fly. Steve Bowen came second in the 100m Breast and third in the 50m Fly and 50m Breast. Chelsie Kirman Silvered in the 50m Back and Bronzed in the 50m Fly. Megan Prideaux came 3rd in the 50m Back.

PB's were achieved by Steve Bowen (2), Hayley Burston (3), Jenni Gilbert (2), Lee Hicks, Sophie Hicks (3), Ellena Ibal (4), Tom Jones (6), Chelsie Kirman (6), Ruby Lynch (6), Laura Neal (3), Megan Prideaux (2) and Stephanie Reynolds (8). Stephanie Reynolds also PB'd in all of her events and slashed her times for 200 Free, 100 Free, 50m Fly and 100m Back.

All in all, a brilliantly successful weekend for the ever improving Clevedon team!

Paddy Trower & Sophie Feboul, the jubilent captains

Graham Feboul
Press Officer