Etwall's presence at Blackpool was realised with a high spectator turn-out having a spectator per 2 swimmers!........Although relatively low in numbers (6 swimmers), Etwall put on some rewarding swims gathering up well-deserved medals along the way.

The venue was excellent with plenty of parking and comfortable spectator seating. The 8-lane competition pool was complimented with a warm swim down pool that was put to good use by all competitors.

The morning session got off to a flying start with Sarah Gilman and Lindsey Gowland side by side in the 100 IM. Gilman, debuting her new swimsuit managed to keep her nose just in front throughout the event storming to the finish with a PB. Gilman had set her pace and she continued to pull PB's out of the bag for most of her events, including the 50 breast which saw her gain first place in her age group and win swim of the meet; well done Sarah! Gilman was almost as fast as her PBs to point out that she has been training very hard of late, and the success of the day was down to the hard effort as well as the suit!

Gowland got her engine well fired for the 50 backstroke and plucked almost a second from her entry time. Not only doing this once, spectators were treated to the delights of a repeat performance in the 50 breaststroke with another second torn from her entry time placing her first in age group and a gold medal.

The Vice-Captain Garry Vickers took on the 100 fly and 50 free in the morning session though unfortunately retired due to injury. He did however leave his mark on the venue in his usual characteristic style by leaving his club shirt on the timekeeper's chair. Worry not Vickers; it is safe in the 'Vickers Memorabilia box' for your collection.

Paul Ingle made a reserved appearance with an injured though improving shoulder that has impaired training over the previous couple of weeks. This enforced long taper had obviously worked in Ingle's favour as he came up with a handful of PBs over the day and shaved a solid 3 seconds off his 100 back. His 50 back came good too, bringing home a 1st in age group and upping the gold medal count.

Linda Mellor also made a courageous appearance having been involved in a road accident only 2 weeks previous and was keen to continue with her racing season. Another elated swimmer was Lisa Stansbie, knocking 8 seconds off her 100 free. Stansbie also pulled out PB's in 50 breaststroke and 50 free and was already focussing on her next meet at Halton with great intentions.

The day was managed very professionally, running very smoothly and the team left looking forward to returning to the venue next year.

In total there were  6 Bronze, 7 Silvers and 6 Gold medals.

Well done to all swimmers.