Gymnastics: Girls excel at championships

Jul 3 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

DUMFRIES Y Gymnastics Clubheld its annual championships on Saturday.

The event was staged at the DG One sports complex which once more proved to be an excellent venue for gymnastics both for competitors and spectators.

Altogether, 22 gymnasts took part with ages ranging from eight to 15 years.

The beginners group , the youngest competitors, performed very well despite the pressure of a formal competition.

After a series of well executed routines, Emma Lumb came first with 48.25 with Naomi Johns a close second (48.10) and Jade Porteous taking third place (46.55).

The intermediate group was again a close contest where Katie Lumb took first place with 49.15 followed by Sophie Swan (49.00) and Erin Nicoll (48.8) in second and third places respectively.

With a score of 44.00, Rachel Clingan gained first place in the development group ahead of Leah Syme with 43.60 and Tiree Breese with 43.40.

The junior club championship produced excellent performances from Stephanie Gregory who won gold and Junior Club Champion with a score of 50.40, Charlotte Marshall who won silver with 49.45 and Stephanie Jones who gained bronze with 48.85.

The main event of the day was the title of Club Champion 2009 and the bronze beam trophy.

There were some superb performances which saw Christina Swan being crowned club champion with a score of 50.65. In a hard fought contest, Cara Swales won silver with 50.30 and Beth Leaney bronze with 49.85.

The final presentations were for most improved gymnast and best endeavour awards.

In the junior category, Stephanie Gregory was most improved with Sophie Swan lifting the endeavour award.

In the senior category, Cara Swales won most improved, with Christina Swan as best endeavour.

A special endeavour award was presented to Leigh-Ann Murray who has persevered through injury to return with an excellent competition.

This year’s champoinship was a great success and a credit to the Gymnasts who competed, and to coaches, volunteers and staff at DG One who made it a quality event.

Assessments for the new intake will take place on July 11 at David Keswick Athletics Centre. Anyone interested should contact Mike Briggs or Sara Wilson at the club.