Club in strong start to league

The club’s A squad started their campaign at Droitwich Leisure Centre and secured second place, after being narrowly beaten by Worcester A.

Girls Poppy McGourlay (100m freestyle, 100m butterfly), Meg Moss (100m breaststroke), Rosie Potter (100m backstroke) and Lizzie Kingham (50 breaststroke) won in their age sections.

There was also success for Paul Wilkes (100m butterfly), Ben Lewis (100m breast stroke), Oliver Thompson (100m backstroke), Luke Warren (50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke).

Redditch B hosted their gala at the Abbey Stadium. In what turned out to be a very close competition, they secured a creditable third place.

The final scores were Halesowen B 177, Stourbridge B 169, Redditch B 165, Haden Hill 155, Perry Beaches 120.

There were wins for Carmen Elliott (100m freestyle) and Catlin Britt (100 breaststroke).

There was also a clean sweep in the U15s with Rachel Weller (100 butterfly) and Lucy Potter (100 backstroke) victorious.

Head coach Chris Britt said: “We have so many established and up and coming swimmers it is sometimes difficult to give everyone a chance to represent the club and get the level of competition that they need.

“Despite already having teams in five local league competitions, this was becoming an increasing problem, so last year we gladly accepted an invitation to field a second team in the Winter League – confident that we now had the strength in depth to put out two teams that would be capable of holding their own against the region’s other clubs.”

At the end of January, the club will hold their annual awards evening at the Studley Road Social Club. Three-time Olympian Nick Gillingham has accepted an invitation to present the awards and give a talk.

Redditch Swimming Club’s various squads train regularly at Abbey Stadium, Kingsley and Studley. Talented young swimmers are always welcome to attend for a free trial session.

Anyone interested can call Britt on 1527 853257 or email coach@redditchswim.org.uk