Stratford Sharks A team competed in the third and final round of the Nuneaton Junior League at the weekend at Newbold Comyn Pool, Leamington Spa. It was a tough draw against some of the top teams in the Midlands but the swimmers illustrated their strength in depth with nineteen finishes in the top three places.

  Once again it was the twelve year old girls who achieved five out of the six firsts along with one of the youngest swimmers, nine year old Lucy Castle who had a convincing win in the girls one length backstroke. Swimming in their last ever junior league the twelve year olds. remained true to form where they have consistently taken firsts over the past four years. This was demonstrated by Frances Goss in the freestyle and backstroke races and Megan Stanley in butterfly. Becky Tame was just pipped at the touch to finish second in breaststroke.

  Well done to Lily Russell-Wilks, Eve Morley, Becky and Megan who cruised to victory in their freestyle team race. Frances, Eve, Megan and Lily then repeated the win in the girls medley relay.

  Despite the departure of these twelve year olds it is clear from other performances on the night that new junior talent is coming through the club. The nine year old girls freestyle team came a commendable second with Lucy Castle, Eleri Williams, Caitlin Stephenson and Sian Morris showing great potential for the future. Ten year-old Lucy Tame had strong swims to finish second in the two lengths backstroke and third in two lengths freestyle. Matt Newman must be congratulated for finishing second in both the nine year old butterfly and backstroke races. Tom James had a fine swim for another second place in the boys 11 years two lengths breaststroke.

  Valuable points were added to the Sharks total score with a number of thirds achieved by Josh Walker 11 years two lengths butterfly; Ed Caswell nine years one length freestyle;Andrew Morley ten years one length butterfly.

  There were also three team thirds firstly from the boys in the 11 year old medley relay Tom James, Josh Walker, Jacob Humphreys and George Purchon, another from the boys in the nine year old freestyle team of Matt Newman, Ed Caswell, Jonathan Salmon and Tom Precious and the girls medley team of Lucy Castle, Eleri Williams, Sian Morris and Caitlin Stephenson. The following swimmers are to be commended for achieving personal bests Zach Brough; Ben Lane; Cassie Lees; Evie Gill and Sian Morris. Sharks now await to hear their overall position in this year’s league.