Girls lead the way in round one

BURTON Swimming Club’s age 11 girls team were the stars of the show in the first round of the Winter League Division One.

Jaina Muogbo, Bella Smith, Bella Richards and Lana Clamp joined forces to win all six of their races at Branston Leisure Centre.

And Dylan Mitchell swam the club’s best race, winning the age 11 50m freestyle. He also won the 50m backstroke.

For the first two rounds of the league, 18 teams are split into three galas before the top eight advance to a final.

The next five swim a separate gala, while the bottom five compete in an event that decides which three teams are relegated to Division Two for 2020.

For the first round, Burton were drawn with Coalville A and Braunstone B - who both finished in the top eight last year - plus Long Eaton, Penguins and Hinckley B.

And Burton came second, meaning they are fifth in the 18 team table.

Overall, 33 personal best times were recorded and 10 first places achieved.

As well as the age 11 freestyle and medley relay wins, plus Mitchell’s victories, there were first places for Smith (age 11 50m back and 50m breast), Matt Gates (open 100m free), Ella Cooper (age 13 50m free),

Clamp (age 11 50m fly) and Muogbo (age 11 50m free).

There were also 14 second places and six third places.

Clamp, Muogbo, Richards, Lucas Joubert, Dylan Campbell, Toby Durkan, Josh Cooper, Paige Colling and Connor Small all made their Winter League debuts for the club.

Burton finished with 197 points in second place behind winners Coalville A on 234. Penguins were third on 181 and Braunstone B fourth with 173.

The club is now waiting to find out who they are drawn against for the second round, which will be staged on March 2.

If you would like to find out more about joining Burton Swimming Club, contact Suzanne Gates on 07929 042741.