Aquatics revel in bumper haul

SWIMMNG:

OLDHAM Aquatics took the Lancashire Championships by storm, earning 42 medals in their first real test under the guidance of new head coach Lee Holland.

A 20-strong party from the county, regional and national group and in the first of three weekend sessions, more than 90-per-cent of Oldham swims ended with personal best times.

Their fine form continued in the following weekends, with Oldham turning plenty of heads and upsetting their rivals along the way.

A series of super swims saw them finish with 83 county finalists, 11 golds, 20 silvers and 11 bronze.

Coach Holland said afterwards: “I’m proud of everyone who took part, including the supporters.

“I would also like to give a special mention to Bradley Radcliffe for winning the Top Boy BAGCAT trophy in the 12 years age group.

“I want to offer a big well done to Danny Whitham, Sophie Kenny, Rhiannon Prestage, Fran Chiappe and Matt Shipp for achieving national qualifying times for the British Championships in She-ffield this summer.

“Let’s see how many more we can add to this list!”

Oldham Aquatics made a splash at the long course meet in Stockport.

The advanced training squad headed to Grand Central Pools in high spirits and didn’t disappoint.

Brad Ratcliffe earned a hat-trick of wins in the 12 years 50 and 100 m butterfly and 100m freestyle event.

He also came second in the 50m freestyle.

Team-mate Josh Cos-grove also took third place in the 50 m butterfly.

Kyle Clegg shot to victory in the 10/11 group’s main breast stroke event.

He was also second in the 200m breaststroke, before clinching third in the 100m freestyle.

The promising youngster finished runner-up in his age group’s points tally.

The girls weren’t to be outdone.

In the 12 years group, Olivia Askew enjoyed double victories in the 50 and 400m freestyle, as well as finishing second in the 100 and 200m freestyle events and claiming a third place in the 50m backstroke.

Sophie Kenny took third place in the 16 years 400m freestyle event.

George Morreal was runner-up in the 17 years and over 50m butterfly. He took third place in the 200m backstroke.

Team-mate Matt Shipp finished second in the 200m backstroke.