British Gas ASA NER Bagcat Championships
Over the Weekends of 5th/6th and 12th/13th of June Rotherham Metro swimmers competed in the North East Regional swimming championships meet at Ponds Forge. This gala attracts all the top swimmers from the North East region who have gained qualifying times making it the premier event outside of the Nationals.
The event consists of heats with the top ten in each age group contesting the final. Once again the outstanding talent of thirteen year old Matthew Sotheran was in scintillating form from the start to the finish of the gala, leading the way with an impressive medal haul consisting of Gold in the 200 Fly and 100 Free, Silvers in the 1500 Free, 400 IM and 400 Free, Bronze Medals in the 100 Fly and 200 IM. Matthew was also 3rd overall in the Bagcats which is based on points gained for each event. Matthew will once again be representing Rotherham at the National championships to be held at Ponds Forge in August.
Eleven year-old Holly Sotheran, one of a number of up and coming talents, gained Silver in the 1500 Free and also reached 4 other finals where she came 4th in the 200 Fly, 8th 100 Fly, 9th 400 Free and 400IM. Thirteen year-old Emily Shone was also involved in two finals finishing 6th in the 100 Back and 10th in the 200 Back, another Thirteen year-old girl Nicole Clarke swam to a magnificent 7th in the 1500 Free. Eleven year-old Alice Aucott reached the 100 and 200 breast finals, finishing 7th in the 200 final. James Sheil (14) and Connor Neal (11) both reached their respective 100 Fly finals where they were both placed 7th. Robert Pearson (11) swam to a well-deserved 8th position in the 100 back final. Twelve year old George Russell finished 8th in the 400IM final after just missing out on the 200 fly final.
Although there were no finals for ten year-olds Jack McGann managed to finish in the top ten of the 100 and 200 free at his first North East Championships. Other swimmers taking part were, Robert Kirk (11), Jessica Bushby (13), Shannon Eades (13), Bethany Woodcock (13), Josh Hillman (12), Abbie Hull (12).