On Saturday Beccles Kingfishers Swimming Club took part in the Denis Kemp Trophy gala at Lowestoft. The event was held for the big guns of each swimming club competing over the sprint distance of 100m in all four strokes.

On Saturday Beccles Kingfishers Swimming Club took part in the Denis Kemp Trophy gala at Lowestoft.

The event was held for the big guns of each swimming club competing over the sprint distance of 100m in all four strokes.

As is common at this time of year the school holidays had an impact on the team which took part, meaning that a number of fringe swimmers had a chance to shine along with those who took on the challenge of swimming up an age group.

This was the last chance for those taking part to get some competitive practice before a two-week gap leading up to the big weekend competition in Ipswich on June 21 and 22.

Even with that weekend in mind the swimmers were in no mood to take their foot off the gas as, out of 32 individual races, 23 personal best times were recorded. This was an amazing effort considering most times were set only a month ago before this competition.

It was the girls, however, who led the way, most noticeably the pairing of Nina Bircham and Jenny Beevor who, combined, took three first places and a fourth. Nina getting a first and personal best in her freestyle and Jenny a first in her butterfly.

The club's only other first place came from the most senior girl in the team Lindsey Sale in her freestyle after capturing a third in the breaststroke. Rachel Doran gained a third place and a pb in the open backstroke and a third in the butterfly.

Not to be outdone, her younger sister Philippa Doran achieved an impressive second place in the freestyle after sealing a two seconds pb in the butterfly. In the same age group Laura Catchpole swam well by getting two pbs, one in her backstroke and the other along with a third in the breaststroke.

Rounding things off for the girls Amber Bircham did the double by gaining two third places and two pbs in her breaststroke and butterfly events.

Ellen Nelson followed that up with a third and a pb in the backstroke and a third in the freestyle.

For the boys, a last minute call-up for Lewis Taylor saw him achieve a seven seconds pb in the breaststroke while swimming up an age group.

Likewise, his brother Thomas Taylor, also in the 15/unders, who gained pbs in the butterfly and backstroke. Jacob Barber swimming in the 13/u and 15/u age groups came away with a hat-trick of pbs in his butterfly, breaststroke and freestyle.

The pairing of Dalton Yallop and Matthew Seaman in the youngest age group added to the night's pb list with them gaining four out of four possible pbs. Dalton in his breaststroke and then with his second place in the butterfly and Matthew in the freestyle and backstroke.

In the men's open the trio of Jonny Harrison, Robert Beaumont and Douglas Olley showed that they still have what it takes in their ageing legs. Jonny brought in two second places in his backstroke and freestyle despite carrying an injury.

Robert and Douglas matched this, with both gaining new pbs, Robert in his breaststroke along with a second place and Douglas with a third in the butterfly.

A strong gala with a good mix of teams ending what has been a very successful month.

The results finishing: 1 Great Yarmouth 159, 2 Dereham 147, 3 Beccles 133, 4 Lowestoft and Oulton Broad 129, 5 Norwich 109 and 6 Diss 90.

The club will be holding an open session for those interested in joining on July 20 at 9pm.

For further information of this or about the club please contact Mickey Cook on 01502 712647 or tim.kingfishers@hotmail.com