Swimmers lead way to victory in contest

Victorious Chase Swimmers came away with top boy and top girl trophies at last weekend's Staffordshire County Swimming Championships.

Competing for four days, split over two weekends, there were 50 events, with clubs from Brierley Hill, Walsall and Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent and Cheadle taking part.

A total of 146 medals were won by 42 talented club members, made up of 49 gold – David Holland, Kelly Ann Smith, Ben Wood, Peter Sullivan, Adam Silvester, Christie Ghent, George Foster, Megan Coughlan and Victoria Egan – 54 silver and 43 bronze.

Even more impressive were the 17 swimmers who between them amassed 73 Midland qualifying times over the four days – Megan Coughlan, Rianne Soleil, Kelly Ann Smith, Ben Wood, Catherine Arnold, Grace Murphy, Peter Sullivan, Adam Silvester, Bethany Baker, Joseph Kinsell, Victoria Egan, Rory Seager, Dave Holland, Jamie Barter, Christie Ghent, Jake Jones and Jonathan Brachmanski.

Chase swimmer Ben Wood followed up his top boy award, by representing England at the WISE (Wales, Ireland, Scotland, England) championship at Swansea with five national and 11 Midland qualifying times. He also earned 19 gold, eight silver and two bronze medals and gained one junior and five age group records.

Head coach Paul Grainger said: "I can't praise the hard work and dedication from the Chase coaching staff."

To join Chase Swimming Club should visit www.chaseswimmingclub.co.uk