Our previous report was packed with information from a number of different galas and open meets. This time, however, things have not been quite so hectic and we are focusing on the annual Amman Valley Sprint Meet.

Open Competition Results

The Amman Valley Sprint Meet, held at the Llanelli Leisure Centre, took place on June 13, and was attended by a sizeable Tenby contingent of 21 swimmers. Probably our largest entry at a competition outside Pembrokeshire for quite some time, and there was a good team atmosphere poolside.

The Tenby swimmers who went along were: Nick Allen, Gemma Amos, Harry Cook, Gareth Davie, Matt Davie, Luke Dedoncker, Lydia Dilks, Hazel Fox, Abi Hicks, Katie Hicks, Myles Johnson, Talia Merriman, Casie Paxton, Georgia Poole, Ben Rees, Safi Rooney, Stephen Ward, Lauren Watkins, Heather Whittaker, Henry Whittaker and Ashleigh Willars.

As with all sprint meets, the action was fast and furious, but the entries to the competition were a little down because of the restrictions of the upper and lower qualifying times imposed by the organisers in order to meet the criteria of a Level 3 meet.

The structure of the meet was a series of 50m swims in all the strokes, followed by an IM final for the top points scorers in each of the various age bands.

Tenby enjoyed considerable success with the following podium positions being achieved:

Gemma Amos, 16/O, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Fly; Matt Davie, 16/O, 1st 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 2nd 50m Fly; Talia Merriman, 9yrs, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Fly; Georgia Poole, 11yrs, 2nd 50m Breaststroke; Heather Whittaker, 16/O, 1st 50m Freestyle, 2nd 50m Backstroke, 2nd 50m Breaststroke, 3rd 50m Butterfly; Henry Whittaker, 14yrs, 1st 50m Freestyle, 1st 50m Breaststroke, 1st 50m Butterfly and 1st 50m Backstroke.

Many others finished in top six points scoring positions and medals were awarded to sixth place in every race. Overall 60 per cent of all the times recorded were improvements on the swimmer's previous PBs. Super swimming!

The following scored enough points to make their respective 100m IM finals, and finished in the positions indicated: Gemma Amos (DNS), Harry Cooke (5th), Gareth Davie (6th), Matt Davie (1st), Luke Dedoncker (4th), Talia Merriman (1st), Heather Whittaker (2nd) and Henry Whittaker (2nd).

Well done to all the medallists. There were some super swims across the board, and some great new PBs by some of our younger team members. Of note, all of Henry's 50s were very good, as was Matt's IM final where his technique and pace were excellent throughout. Henry was justifiably rewarded as best overall swimmer in the boys' section. Nice one Henry! Talia, who qualified for the IM finals from just two 50m swims, also demonstrated excellent technique and pacing in a very strong swim in her final. There were lots of other great performances, so let's keep it up.

The poolside coaching team were impressed by way the swimmers put into practice what they have been working so hard on at club training sessions, and as we mentioned earlier having a good size entry creates a nice team atmosphere poolside. More of the same next time please!

Forthcoming Events

July 3-5: Cardiff Int. Open Meet. Entries Closed.

July 10: Junior Shield, Pembroke, 6.45 pm Please check notice board for selection, and please try to go along if you have made the team.

July 22 - 27: ASA National Age Group Championships, Sheffield. (Qualifiers only).

July 30 - August 2: Swim Wales Summer Nationals, WNP Swansea. Entries closed.

Club News

As we approach the summer holidays, can all club members ensure that all outstanding gala entry fees and club shop accounts are settled in full.

Talking of summer holidays, we say this every year, but it is swimming as usual throughout, so keep on training.

This has not been mentioned for a while, so we think you all need reminding. Please take note. When picked for a 'team' gala, such as the one coming up in Pembroke, you must wear your club swim hats. Everyone looks really smart and can be easily identified as part of the club!