BLACKBURN Centurions young swimmers have excelled once again by winning round three in Division C of the North West Micro League held at Fleetwood Leisure Centre.

Blackburn took a very strong team to the seaside town with the sole intention of coming away with the top spot and strengthening their chances of making it to the swim-off’s in September where they will battle for promotion to Division B.

Round three was critical as the young Centurions squad were facing tough competition from Garstang, Carnforth and Kirkham.

Having already faced Kirkham in round 2 and armed with an even stronger squad, Blackburn were comfortable of victory over them.

However, having not faced Garstang or Carnforth yet there was no room for complacency and Blackburn’s swimmers needed to make sure they were on top form to come away with first place.

And first place was what they got with a total score of 141 points. Garstang came second with 119 and then Carnforth and Kirkham with 117 and 105 respectively showing Blackburn as clear victors and a strong position for round 4.

Micro League Team Manager, Jamie Dodd said: “I had pinpointed round three as our must win gala. All the rival teams were sitting at the top of the table and it was clear that they had exactly the same game plan as us. Our swimmers prevailed against some really talented young athletes and they were a credit to themselves, their club and their families.”

Each Micro League round consists of 49 events covering all four individual strokes, freestyle and medley relays in each 9 – 12 year age group and finally a freestyle cannon which is a team of eight swimmers consisting of girls and boys from each age group competing in a relay. The events are evenly split between girls and boys races and points awarded for first to fourth place. These points are then accumulated to give a final tally and club positions within the round.

Blackburn again managing almost 50% of their 49 events in first position and over 25% in second position showed that careful team selection, hard work and structured training sessions had once again paid off and strengthened the Centurions chances of promotion even further.

Head Coach, John McGinty said: “Congratulations to all Blackburn Centurions swimmers who collectively produced a great days racing, and a well-deserved win. A total of 51 personal best times from 96 races reflects the efforts being put in at every level of the club.”

Round four will be held on June 20th at Pendle Leisure Centre, Colne and Blackburn will be prepared to battle hard to maximise points and try to secure that swim-off place.

For anybody interested in joining Blackburn Centurions or learning to swim please contact Blackburn and Darwen Swimming Development 01254 662619 or email swimming.development@blackburn.gov.uk