Personal best times posted by Clevedon swimmers

THE second round of the Cotswold Series took place last week and was hosted by Clevedon at Strode Road.

Clevedon, sponsored by Bristol Hotspring Ltd, are still hampered in this competition that has strict eligibility criteria meaning that many Clevedon swimmers cannot take part as they have competed at too high a level.

This round of the Cotswolds saw the welcome return to competitive swimming of a number of the fitness squad. Becci Carson (2), Bethan Clinton (1) claiming individual first places.

Laura Neal, despite a sterling effort, had to cope with one race too many, but swam well. With a number of last-minute replacements due to illness, several swimmers were forced to swim more than the optimal number of races.

However, full credit to all of them for some valiant swims. Many were swimming up at least one age group, but they all benefited from the experience.

Special mention must be made of up-and-coming development squad swimmer Kristian Lloyd, swimming an amazing seven events, in all age groups from 13 and under up to open, but not once looking out of his depth.

As a team event, this series will take some getting used to as the club are forced to field ineligible swimmers who score zero points.

It is still a valuable development opportunity for these swimmers as Simeone Howlett proved, knocking an impressive 11 seconds off his 100m butterfly time since the club championships.

Points and positions were: Wellington 170; Minehead 126; Burnham 125; Clevedon 85.

Joining the individual race winners were: Samuel Knowlton (2), Zack Holdaway (2), Peter Kearsley (2), Kristian Lloyd (2), Beckie Carson (2), Bethan Clinton (2), Kelly Waygood (2) and Sophie Fisher (2) who won relay races.

PBs were gained by: Sara Bayliss, Bethan Clark, Jack DeViell, Agnes Gay, Ellen Gentry, Benjamin Howlett, Simeon Howlett, Peter Kearsley, Samuel Knowlton (2), Kristian Lloyd, Elspeth McGowan, Angus Salisbury, Ellie Varney, Sam Thomas and Aimee Swinton-Clark.