Swimmers edged out by Forest (From Redditch Advertiser)

Swimmers edged out by Forest

9:23am Wednesday 24th October 2007

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REDDITCH Swimming Club made an excellent start in the West Midlands Speedo League, claiming a fine second place.

And by picking up five points from the Burton event, the club is handily placed for a push towards the top of Division Two in the two remaining galas.

Absences and a shortage of swimmers in certain age groups proved costly as Redditch finished just three points behind winners Wyre Forest.

Team Coach Chris Britt said: "Our main strength was clearly in the open age group, with our older swimmers gaining nine of our 13 first places."

Boys' captain Paul Wilkes led the way with convincing wins in the 100m butterfly, freestyle and individual medley events. Laura Cranshaw also won two individual events, achieving a new personal best in the 100m freestyle.

There was a sixth individual win in the open age group when 13-year-old Lucy Knibbs beat five older swimmers to win the 100m breaststroke.

The open relay teams were also superb, with three wins and one third place from four races. The gala finished with an exciting 6x50m relay for the open age group, won in superb style by the team of Paul Wilkes, Dan Ruckwood, Richard Fleeman, Robert Stanley, Jamie Mackay and Craig Newton.

In the 15 and under age group, Dan Ruckwood again showed his class by storming to victory in two events, the 100m backstroke and 100m butterfly, the latter in a new pb.

Danielle Harwood won the 100m fly and, in 13/11 year olds, Lizzie Humphreys won the 100m backstroke.

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