LAST weekend saw Bolton Metro Swimming Squad swimmers take part in the first recognised open gala to be held after the "Summer Break".

Twenty-five BMSS swimmers travelled to Harrogate to take part in the Junior Open Age Group Meet.

For the first time it included 50m events for 11,12,13 & 14 year olds.

These were in line with the new National Age Group categories & criteria (BAGCATS) for qualification to the National Age Group Championships in 2001.

BMSS were one of eight teams, including a very strong squad from Kingston upon Hull.

And if the results recorded during the day continue in future galas, then the squad can look forward to another successful season.

BMSS provided 16 event winners :

Louise Allmark 11-Year-Old-Girls 50m Breaststroke;

Andrew Kilby 11-Year-Old Boys 200m Freestyle & Butterfly;

Sean Rushton 13-Year-Old Boys 50m Breaststroke, Freestyle & Butterfly,100m Freestyle & Individual Medley, 200m Backstroke and also Breastroke & Butterfly;

Caroline Wright 13-Year-Old Girls 200m Backstroke;

Natalie Barber 13-Year-Old Girls 200m Breastroke;

Corinne Allmark 14-Year-Old Girls 50m Butterfly,100m Individual Medley & 200m Butterfly.

There were four British Age Group Category (BAGCATS) placings:

Corinne Allmark was the winner of the14-Year-Old Girls catagory;

Sean Rushton who was the winner of the 13-Year-Old-Boys catagory;

Natalie Barber second in the 13-Year-Old-Girls catagory;

Bobby Spencer gained a third place in the 13-Year-Old Boys category.

The BAGCATS placings at this meet were based on the total points gained taking the best in four disciplines.

In addition to the winners, BMSS collected 65 other medals.

Places ranged from second to eighth and many swimmers achieved personal best performances.