Barry swimmers storm to early victory (From Barry And District News)

Barry swimmers storm to early victory

FOLLOWING on from winter training, Barry Swimming Club competed in the first gala of the year at Cogan, against Penarth and Cwmbran.

From the outset, it was evident that all three teams were closely matched but Barry showed that recent changes to the training programme for their competitive swimmers could provide the necessary boost required to emerge victorious.

This was indeed the case as Barry finished ahead of Cwmbran by three points, with Penarth a close third.

The 11-and-under age group swimmers from Barry provided some outstanding performances, winning all their individual and relay events. The swimmers concerned were Alana Wilson, Samantha Richards, Rebec-ca McTavish, Hannah Yarr, Georgia Looker, Balazs Vincze, Rhys Palfrey, Michael Crompton and Tamas Vincze.

Tamas Vincze and Georgia Looker, eight and nine-years-old respectively, swam as reserves in the 11-year age group individual events. Tamas gained two club records and Georgia achieved personal bests while beating swimmers up to three years older than themselves. Both swimmers are members of Barry's development squad and are surely a couple of names to watch for the future.

The 13-year-old girls won both relays as did the 15-year-old boys. Swimmers in the older age groups found the competition more demanding and special mention should be given to Lowri Phillips, whose return to form was very encouraging and rewarded with a win in both the butterfly and breaststroke events. Ryan Looker, a regular competitor in'open meets' won his IM and fly races with great style.

Rhys Perry, a recent newcomer to the club, had to swim three individual 100-metre races due to a number of late withdrawals from his age group, but showed great promise by achieving a first and two second places in his individual races, before swimming for both the 13 and 15 age group relay teams. This proved that his recent award of best newcomer to the club at the recent presentation evening was thoroughly deserved.

Similarly 13-year-old Hannah Palfrey, who was awarded the most improved female swimmer at the presentation night, justified her trophy by winning the girls 13-year butterfly event.

Another swimmer who appears to have benefited considerably from the increase in stamina training is 12-year-old Bronwen Harries, whose strength in the final length held off the opposition in the girls 13-year breast stroke. Overall, 13 individual club records were broken, with many other swimmers achieving personal bests.

The traditional final race of the 8 x 50m freestyle cannon provided an opportunity for Barry to show their strength in depth throughout the age groups. After establishing an early lead, Barry held their form throughout, with Ryan Looker swimming the anchor leg, finishing well ahead.

The club would like to express their appreciation to the senior swimmers who competed for the club and also to Theo Frangoulis and Hollie Cody who were only drafted into the team at the last moment due to late withdrawals. Both gained valuable points for the club, which helped secure the three-point win. Barry were also pleased to welcome back Jessica Simpson and Nicho-las Hopkins, who have just rejoined and competed in their first gala for more than two years.