Pershore's young guns impress with third-placed finish (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Pershore's young guns impress with third-placed finish

11:30am Saturday 16th February 2013 in Sport

A YOUNG Pershore team showed promise at Redditch in a development gala by finishing third.

They just missed out on second spot by nine points against bigger clubs like the hosts, Worcester and Bromsgrove.

The young squad, which included swimmers as young as eight, managed 48 personal bests, 12 first places and 11 seconds.

Star performer in her first competition was Hannah Woodcock who won the girls’ nine years 25-metre breaststroke in 22.80 seconds and the 25m butterfly in 27.10 while also showing potential in the freestyle relays.

Woodcock’s older sister Isabella put in a dominant 11 years 50m breaststroke performance, winning easily in 42.50.

Cameron Leech, in his first gala, took the boys’ nine years 25m backstroke in 24.41 along with impressing in the relays.

William Gearey powered to an easy victory in the 10 years 50m freestyle and won the 25m butterfly in 18.07 with both personal best times. Simon Sweatman bagged two first places for Pershore, clocking 30.72 in the 11 years 50m freestyle and lalso 34.13 in the 50m butterfly.

Eleven-year-old Josh Sharratt triumphed in the 50m backstroke in 41.69.

The 11 and under freestyle and medley relay teams were also successful thanks to Patrick Heeks, Chris Vizard, Sweatman and Sharratt. Gearey replaced Heeks in the latter.

Pershore handed debuts to the likes of Leo Rendal- Baker and William Mullen.

Head coach Tom Naughton said: “Development galas provide young swimmers with much-needed competitive experience.

“The whole team stepped up and delivered on the night and our youngsters have shown they can compete against much bigger clubs.

“Hannah’s and Cameron’s performances were exceptional.”