A SMALL squad of Andover Swimming and Water Polo Club's competitive swimmers drove to Millfield Sports School to take part in an all day open meet recently.

Amy Sambell, one of Andover's top freestyle swimmers, found herself competing in the 200m freestyle in which she finished in 2.32.88.

Although she was displeased with this time, she was placed tenth which is a good achievement for such high level of competition.

Seventeen-year-old Natalie Thomas joined Amy in the top ten when she finished ninth in the same event. She did a commendable time of 2.32.33 and was only split seconds away from the top eight medal.

Jack Bayliss was in good form for his 200m individual medley, which saw him finish 12th in a time of 2.42.53. Jack broke the first club record of the day in his 100m butterfly, which he completed in 1.17.99.

Jack's best was still to come, however, when he had a fantastic breaststroke, finishing first with a marvellous PB of 1.17.98. He had a great race and his efforts were rewarded with the gold medal. He also smashed the club record for this event.

In the girl's 50m breaststroke, Alice Sims raced hard to finish in a time of 45.61. In the 100metres, Charlotte Crosby was happy with her time of 1.37.54 when she realised she had gained the club's long course record.

Natalie's 100m breaststroke saw her scoop up the sixth place medal in her age group with a time of 1.29.23. A brilliant achievement in such stiff competition. Aimee Shepherd had a magnificent 100m butterfly, which is her best event. She did well to achieve a long course PB of 1.22.45.

This also left her with the club record for the U16s. Later on, in the 100m freestyle Aimee did another long course PB when she finished in 1.09.67.

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