Clevedon Swimming Club retained the mini series trophy for the second year running.

In top position going into the final gala of the 2016 series, Clevedon Swimming Club’s mini series team, sponsored by HotSpring South West and Wales, were in action at Hutton Moor.

Having won all previous galas of the series, Clevedon were determined to secure a fourth win in the final round to take the trophy for the second successive year, and thereby completing an impressive eight consecutive wins.

Scores were not announced throughout the gala making it difficult to know how the teams were doing, but this spurred Clevedon on to swim fast knowing every point was vital.

Annabel Earnshaw, swimming in her last mini series, started the team’s victory campaign touching seemingly in second place in the girls’ 13 and under 100m individual medley, only to later discover it was to be their first official win of the night.

Unknown by the teams at the time, Clevedon and Severnside Tritons were level on points at halfway. A particularly strong second half followed with Clevedon securing seven further wins in the first 10 events, and significantly pulling ahead.

A further five wins followed to give Clevedon enough points to win the gala, and be crowned winners of the series.

Individual swimmers also achieving maximum points for the team included: Annabel Earnshaw, 50m backstroke; Meredith Pollard (12), 100m IM and 50m backstroke; Max Patterson (11), 50m backstroke); Isobel Major (12), 50m butterfly; Sam Streeter (11), 50m freestyle; Jemma Streeter (10), 25m freestyle; Alex Davies (10), 25m freestyle; Jacob Sell (11), 50m backstroke; Martha Sell (9), 25m butterfly; Jamie Steadman (9), 25m butterfly; Malia Smith (10), 50m breaststroke; Mason Smith (13), 50m butterfly; Sophie Chambers (13), 50m breaststroke.

Relay first place wins in the 100m medley came from: Martha and 10-year-olds Imogen Bamber, Harriet Chambers, and Jemma; 13-year-olds Erica Godfrey, Kate Sergeant, Annabel and Sophie; 10-year-olds Lauren Mennie, Clara Finch, Malia and Eloise Major (11); and in the 100m free relay by 12-year-olds Bertie Williams, Ryan Baldwin, William Finch and Jacob.

Also swimming superbly, but too fast to win points for the team were: Anna Papalouca, Finlay James, Max Streeter and Blayne Stanbrook.

Star swimmer awards, awarded by young volunteer helpers Sophie Mennie and Isabelle Mitchell, went to Harriet Chambers for her amazing streamlining, and to Max Streeter for his superb team effort following recent illness.

Clevedon’s success was only possible with the support of all their talented swimmers who swam for the team this year, not just those competing in the final round, and their team of officials, volunteer helpers and supporters.

Sadly some of the team from earlier rounds were too old to take part in the final. Team manager Fran Chambers thanked Annabel, Kate and Finlay for all they had contributed to the team over the years with special star swimmer awards, as they too will soon become too old to swim for the team.

For information on joining Clevedon’s successful Swim21 accredited club, details can be found on their website www.clevedonasc.org.uk