The Stratford Sharks started 2006 with a relay gala with a difference, this was an opportunity for lots of young new swimmers to have a go at competing, mixing experience with novice and boys with girls.

  Sharks took a team to Nuneaton with lots of variety giving the newcomers an opportunity to have a go. It was a great night for all involved with the usual competitive edge associated with the sport. The teams were made up of two boys and two girls in each age group with just single sex freestyle relays 7 local teams from Bilston to Market Harborough took part.

  Although there were only three wins on the night the swimmers overall performance consisted of so many 2nd and 3rd places Stratford Sharks finished 2nd to Camp Hill Edwardians beating Nuneaton into 3rd place by 11 points. The winning teams were made up of 15u Breaststroke team Lawrie Mills, David Townsend, Claire Bassinder & Emma White, the 10u girls Freestyle had a tremendous win with Lucy Tame, Laura Bryan, Emmy Shaddick & Gwennan Williams on their first outing together and the 9yrs boys Matthew Newman, Jonathan Salmon, Edward Caswell and Zac Brough also competing together for the first time.

  Other notable performances on the night participating in several events finishing in 2nd place were Hattie Beaumont, Emma Bysouth, Fran Cassidy-Morris, Eve Morley, Becky Tame and Hannah Molloy mixing with Jack Pilling, Ben Brough, Tom Pilling, Robert Jolly, Joe Evans, Josh Walker & Aaron Brough.

  Other 9yr olds Eleri Williams, Kelly Greener, Lucy Castle and Charlotte Inns also performed extremely well and hopefully will be competing again in the near future.

  It was a great night, lots of fun was had by all, now dow to the serious business for the season with the experienced swimmers aiming at Midland and National qualifying times.