SOUTHAMPTON Diving Academy's novice team was in fine form in the Hampshire Amateur Association Novice Championships.

In their home pool, the Quays, Southampton took a total of 20 medals - eight gold, seven silver and five bronze.

One of the most spectacular performances came from Chloe Pook, who having only just turned seven, was too young to take full part in the competition and could not add to the medal tally.

Diving as a guest in the eight/nine years event, she still scored the highest number of points (97.9), which would have secured her a place in the squad representing the club at the National Novice Competition in May, had she been old enough.

Teammate Daniel Whitehead (six) found himself in a similar position when he scored sufficient points (70.8) to have secured the bronze medal in the eight/nine years boys' event.

Other outstanding performances included that by Rachel Holland (ten) who took the gold in her event by a very convincing margin. Her dives included a brilliant back tuck roll from the 3m board, which attracted one score of nine points.

Many of the team were new to high-level competition, some having only transferred to the club from the lesson scheme this year, making their solid performances particularly laudable.

No less than 14 divers qualified to represent the club at the National Novice Competition, which will mean that the club will be sending the highest number of divers in its history.

Selected divers: Sarah White, Rachel Holland, Rosie Pope, Olivia Rogers, Sam McSevich, Harry Goodall, Max Costly, Toby Rapson, Lewis Brown, Charlie Saint, Nick Farrow, Josh Pike, Jordan Rippon and Andrew Dowling.

Director of coaching, Lindsey Fraser was delighted with the outcome of the day.

"We saw some very promising performances amongst our team today," she said. "We can look forward to a very well placed team at the nationals in the summer if they keep up this standard of achievement. They were a real credit to all their coaches."

RESULTS:

8/9 years: Sam McSevich, gold; Harry Goodall, silver; Harry McCarthy, bronze; Sarah White, gold; Lucia Di Maiolo, silver.

10/11 years: Max Costly gold, Toby Rapson silver, Lewis Brown bronze, 4 Charlie Saint, 5 Alex Crowe, 6 Scott Spearing, 7 Rachel Holland. Gold Daneca Wells, silver Kate Mendez, bronze Jade Murphy, 4 Megan Pugh, 5 Hannah Milam.

12/13 years: Nick Farrow gold, Josh Pike silver, Jordan Rippon bronze, 4 Andrew Dowling, 5 Reuben James, 6 Chris Lingard, 7 Jamie Keyter, 8 Andrew Tilson, 9 Rosie Pope. Gold Olivia Rogers, silver Moyra Ferrier, bronze Connie Stock.

14/16 years: Nathaniel Greer gold. Heather Bilsby gold, Rosalind James, silver.