Clare quick to make Masters impact
Newcomer Clare Fearns made an instant impact for City of Sunderland Masters in the Swim England North East Regional Championships at Harrogate Hydro.
In an eight-strong Sunderland team, Fearns, in her first gala, posted a time of 6min 28.23sec to finish first in her 30-34 years category in the 400m freestyle.
Jon Dean returned after injury to secure category successes in all three of his events – 100m backstroke (1.18.9), 100m medley (1.19.45) and the 50m backstroke (36.39).
Speedsters Conor Crozier (25-29 years) and Mark Robinson (30-34) swam well, competing against each other in the 50m butterfly (Conor 28.52; Mark 29.27); 50m freestyle (Conor 26.47; Mark 26.08) and 50m backstroke (Conor 30.48; Mark 31.89).
Crozier managed to score a bronze medal in the overall ranking adjusted for age.
Norman Stephenson had a good championship in the 60+ category. He finished first in the 100m butterfly (1.44.85) and 50m butterfly (45.49) despite some of his fellow competitors being 13 years his junior.
He was also second in the 200m medley and 200m breaststroke, and third in the 100m medley.
Imogen Fife added to her qualifying times needed for the National Short Course Championships in the 1824 years 400m free (6.46.23, finishing first) and the 100m freestyle (1.52.2, ending fifth). She also came second in the 100m medley (1.52.2).
Graeme Shutt came third in the 60+ category in the challenging 200m individual medley in 3.59.29. He also won the 50m backstroke in 50.43.
Lindy Woodrow had two category wins in the 60+ section, in the 200m freestyle (3.37.99) and 400m freestyle (7.30.90). She also ended second in the 50m freestyle, 100m freestyle and 100m breaststroke.
Sunderland also had two relay outings. In the 200+ category, they picked up an impressive silver medal (200m medley),
The Masters’ next target is the National Short Course Championships in Sheffield at the end of October.