Monarchs Gymnastic Club’s men’s foursome returned with gold medals from the British Open tournament.

THE Monarchs Gymnastics Club men’s four acro gymnasts - Sean McKenna, Connor McKenna, Jacob Baker and Joseph Blake, returned with gold medals from the Acrobatic and Tumbling British Open tournament recently.

After qualifying for the finals with a combined total score of 51.4, they gained a fantastic 26.9 points for their final balance routine, complemented by a high artistry score.

More than 101 partnerships consisting of pairs, mixed pairs, men’s groups and womens’ trios, all of different age groups and abilities competed against each other within their categories during two full days of competition.

Thirty nine clubs from all over England, Scotland and Wales and international clubs from USA and Canada competed and performed to a sold out audience.

The womens’ trio of Sophie McArdle, Emily Shortland and Katie Hoskins also competed in the junior category running in seventh place out of 16 after a confident balance routine. Unfortunately, due to a fall at the end of their tempo routine, they did not manage to qualify and gained 49.65 points overall.

The recently formed womens’ trio of Crystal Hale, Ellie Cater and Mulberry Watkins, also competed at junior level. It was Mulberry’s first time at Fenton Manor where the British Competitions are held.

The girls performed two excellent routines in balance and tempo, gaining an overall mark of 49 points. However, due to the junior category being of a high standard, they were also unable to qualify for the finals.