Monarchs gymnasts enjoy successful competitions with a good haul of medals.

WEEKS of training proved to be successful again for the Monarchs gymnasts.

Four competitions within the last couple of months included novice and prep A and B prelims and finals held in Sherborne and Southampton respectively.

This was the first competition for Shauna Cross, Lennon Slater, Billy Marshall and Ellie Petrie. Shauna competed in a women’s trio with Emily Woolley and Jazmine Bassett.

The girls thoroughly enjoyed their routine, qualified for the finals and came eighth overall. Shauna also competed in a mixed pair with Charlie Dymond, where they came sixth overall.

Men’s pair Lennon and Billy claimed their first bronze medal after an enthusiastic first routine.

Women’s pair Leonie Warburton and new partner Ellie qualified for the finals in Southampton, where they enjoyed their final performance.

The South West national developmental prelims held in Taunton produced four gold medals for the Monarchs. The four partnerships will represent the South West region at the NDP finals held in Stoke-on-Trent.

Day one of the finals saw all six gymnasts come home with medals. Grade 3 men’s pair Sean McKenna and Joseph Blake finished in third place after two clear routines.

The Grade 3 men’s four of Sean McKenna, Conor McKenna, Jacob Baker and Joseph Blake finished in second place, after competing in a competitive category.

Grade 4 women’s pair Sophie McArdle and Sian Coogan gained a silver medal as a result of two years of training together. Sophie and Sian are now moving on to different partnerships.

Day two saw the Grade 1 men’s pair of Jacob Baker and Joe Reed perform a confident routine, gaining a score of 23.650. However, they were up against some tough competition and came eighth overall.

There have been various partnership changes this year within the club. All of them are training in preparation for the South West competition in Taunton next month.