A GROUP of swimmers from Ledbury took part in the annual Worcester open meet at the new Perdiswell pool in the city.

Ledbury racked up an impressive 34 medals including nine golds and valuable racing experience was gained by all with many county qualifying times achieved across the weekend.

The district club finished fifth overall, facing stiff competition from large clubs from across the West Midlands.

Samuel Palmer kicked off the action with a personal best time in the 400-metre freestyle.

Another 58 PBs were achieved over the course of day one, including Molly Schofield winning gold in the 50m butterfly and 200m freestyle and William Kennedy finishing first in the 100m butterfly.

Swimming on her birthday, Eve Watson qualified for the skins event — a demanding last swimmer standing wins event where they have to sprint as fast as possible to avoid elimination in the seven rounds.

Watson made it as far as round three having won silver in the 100m backstroke only moments before the event started.

The next day saw the gold rush continue for Ledbury with wins for Arthur Zenihov (50m freestyle), Eve Watson (50 and 100m freestyle), Schofield (50m freestyle, 100m butterfly and 100m individual medley).

The competition also saw good performances from the up-and-coming Juliette Ainsworth, Scarlett Skerrett, Finlay Stephenson and Rowan Robertson who all performed well having only just started doing open competitions.

Chairman Steve Watson said: “What a fantastic weekend of swimming. Ledbury’s swimmers battled hard and put in to practise all the skills they have worked so hard on in training.

"This really was a superb gala for Ledbury and we look forward to more medals and more county and regional times at galas over the coming months.”

The club now have 18 swimmers qualified for the county championships with many more within striking distance of the mark.

With more competitions coming up in Hereford in November and Gloucester in December the future looks bright.

Interim head coach Chris Treanor said: “We have been working on the skills around the starts, turns and finishes with the swimmers and they are responding well.

"These results have shown the swimmers a glimpse of their potential. There is more work to be done but this is definitely an encouraging start to the season.”

Many of the young swimmers are heading off to train in Spain over the half-term break with a focus on technique and qualifying times.

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