After their exploits in the first round, numerous young swimmers aged between nine and twelve represented Chard and District Swimming Club again in the Southern Junior League, writes Paul Harrison.

The event, hosted at the Littledown Centre in Bournemouth, brought together a full complement of eight teams all vying for top spot in a very competitive gala.

Although the swimmers failed to establish points in eight out of the 49 races – due to a lack of eligible swimmers in the youngest age group, and some unfortunate disqualifications – the whole team put in some very impressive swims to steer Chard into fifth place, beating other teams of a similar size such as Weymouth and West Dorset Warriors.

Coach June was pleased with the performances on the whole as the youngsters racked up another 19 personal best times since the first round, but says there is still room to improve ahead of Round Three.

The swimmers who took part were: Kaitlyn Flannigan, Bella Young, Catherine Webb, Esme Huntley, Sarah Cawley, Maddie Veevers, Grace Lambert, Mia Porter, Millie Downes, Briana Barrand, Mia Huntley, Harriet Copeman, Phoebe Clark, Abi Greenslade, Holly Bigger, Alice Clark, Jack Morgan, Oliver Collins, Ruben Wild, Noah Payne, Jevan Hampton-Rumbold, Lyndon Smith, Freddie Coles, William Hawkins, Jimmy Brett, Jamie Porter, Joe Swan, Joe Shrubb.

Elsewhere, six swimmers from Chard and District Swimming Club travelled to Gloucester recently to take part in the Regional Sprints Meet for swimmers who have gained at least one regional qualifying time over the past 12 months.

Thirteen-year-old old Joss Copeman enjoyed huge success in the GL1 pool, achieving three personal best times from the five events and clinching the Top Boy award for the 13-year-old age group.

A total of 14 personal best times were achieved by the six swimmers who each competed in the five sprint events – 50m freestyle, 50m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly and 100m individual medley. This equates to almost 50 per cent of previous best times being improved upon – a huge success for the swimmers.

The other swimmers from the club at the even were: Millie Downes, Briana Barrand, Xanthe Dyer, Simon Davis, Paul Harrison.

The Club Swimmer of the Month plaques were awarded to 10-year-olds Freddie Coles and Mia Porter, both of whom gained the most improvement points in galas during June. Congratulations to both swimmers.

For more information on the club, visit our website at www.chardswimming.org.uk