MONARCHS gymnasts are still buzzing after an exhilarating weekend competing in the South West Prelims Acrobatics competition held in Taunton.

MONARCHS gymnasts are still buzzing after an exhilarating weekend competing in the South West Prelims Acrobatics competition held in Taunton.

Twenty clubs from the South West area all came together competing for medals and Monarchs proudly claimed three golds, two silvers and one bronze medal.

The men’s four of Sean McKenna, Conor McKenna, Jacob Baker and Joseph Blake continue to go from strength to strength as they claimed gold in Grade 3. McKenna and Blake also claimed gold in Grade 3 men’s pairs after performing two solid routines.

Sophie McCardle and Sian Coogan claimed their first gold medal for their partnership in Grade 4 women’s pairs. Baker and Joe Reed complimented each other in their routine and celebrated a silver medal for Grade 1 men’s pairs.

Emily Shortland and Jazmine Bassett proudly received silver in Grade 3 women’s pairs and Chloe Sadiq, Emily Shortland and Emily Woolley won a well-deserved bronze for two well-executed routines.

Poppy Broom, Shannon House and Mia Rowlands performed their routines fluently, with high difficulty and gained fifth place overall.

All gold medal winners from the competition will be forming the South West team to represent the area for the finals in Stoke-on-Trent in May.

Head coach and club manager Tony Merrett said: “It was a great weekend for the club, and it’s all down to the hard work of the gymnasts, coaches, helpers and not forgetting the support of the parents.”

For some of the gymnasts this was their first competition, training between 11 and 18 hours a week. The Grade 1 category was popular with over 48 partnerships providing fierce competition for all.

If you would like your child to join this friendly club we hold gymnastics classes for all ages and if your child receives free school meals, they can attend gymnastics for free. Please phone 07900 856129 for more information.