LAST weekend at Millfield, Somerset, Western Counties Amateur Swimming Association held the first two days of BAGCAT (British Age-group Categories) competitions. Kelly College achieved a total of 18 finalists and came away with 3 gold medals, 3 silver and 5 bronze, from a squad of 10 swimmers.

Thomas Howe with two firsts (100m freestyle & 400m freestyle), one second and a third, all within National Qualifying times, led the way in the Boys 13years. Also in this age-group were Matthew Henry with a 3rd (200m Backstroke) and an 8th (400m freestyle) and Oliver Smallwood 4th (200m breaststroke). In the 14year age group Jack Williams placed 6th in the 100m freestyle.

Joe Clark, swimming for the first time in the Western Counties, collected one 1st (100m freestyle), two 3rds and a 6th in the boys 10 year age group.

In the girls 13 year age group Brikitta Batten came second in the 100m Fly and 6th in the 200m Individual Medley, whilst Whitney Bowrin placed 6th in the 100m Freestyle.

Holly Yeo, in the 12 year age group, was third in the 200m Breaststroke and in the 10 year age group, Annie Tinsley, also swimming for the first time at this level, came 2nd in the 200m Individual Medley and 4th in the 100m freestyle.

The last two days of this competition are to be held next weekend at the University of Bath.

Devon County ASA Development Galas

FOUR Kelly College Swimmers all recorded personal best times at the Devon Development gala held at Central Park, Plymouth on Saturday.

James Smith achieved third place in the 12 & under 100m Freestyle, knocking 10 seconds off his previous time and bettered his time by 4 seconds in the 50m Butterfly. Alex Richards was also knocking off the seconds in the 50m Butterfly and the 100m and 400m freestyle, as were Chris Wylie in the 100m Freestyle and 50m Butterfly and Liam Yeo in the 50m Backstroke, 50m Butterfly and 400m Freestyle.

This should give them extra confidence for the next round of the Devon Development galas at Tiverton?s new pool in three weeks time.