On Sunday, Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club travelled to Swansea to compete in the West Area Artistic Novice Championships. The club had gymnasts competing in the eight/nine years, 10/11 years and 12/13 years category.

In the eight/nine years section, there were a large number of entries, with 40 gymnasts in total! Gwen Dodd, Seren James, Ellen Dalling and Katie Richards performed superb routines; unfortunately they narrowly missed out on the team bronze medal, finishing in fourth.

In the 10/11 category, Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club dominated. Josie Dodd finished in fifth place overall, Abbie MacDougall finished fourth overall and Lauren Watts had a fantastic day, clinching the silver overall title, along with individual apparatus medals on vault, bars and beam. The team which consisted of Lowri Boorman, Louise Mear, Josie, Abbie and Lauren Watts were also crowned team champions.

The 12/13 years gymnasts also did equally as well. Lauren Smith finished sixth overall, Katie Crimmins fifth overall and received a bronze medal on bars and Emily Milne came fourth overall, as well as gaining a bronze medal on beam and was crowned floor champion. They were also crowned team champions for their age group.

To add to the above success, there was more good news. At the end of the whole competition, the West Wales team for each age category, which will now go on to compete in the Welsh finals was announced. In the 10/11 age group, Josie Dodd, Abbie MacDougall and Lauren Watts were selected from Haverfordwest, along with gymnasts from Neath and Llanelli. In the 12/13 years age group, Katie Crimmins and Emily Milne were selected from Haverfordwest, along with gymnasts from Swansea and Neath.

All the coaches, members and parents of Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club would like to wish these gymnasts good luck for October 20 when they compete in Cardiff on behalf of the West area. Enjoy and do your club and county proud.