BLACKBURN Centurions Micro League Northwest campaign saw a squad of 37 swimmers travelling to Stretford Sports Village to compete in round two of the division C championship.

Blackburn were facing Colne ASC, Burnley Aquatics and 2015 newcomers, Swim Trafford.

After fantastic first place success at home in round one, Blackburn knew this was going to be a much tougher meet.

For Swim Trafford were fielding a very strong team of swimmers from across three clubs within the Manchester borough and, had already shown to be a force to be reckoned with after a huge 179 point win in their first round.

Armed with a fantastic team of swimmers aged between eight and 12, Blackburn put in a superb performance and were placed second on the day with 137 points and pegging Trafford’s maximum points tally to 157.

The Centurions are now second place in their division with two meets still to go and a strong chance of a place in the swim-offs - and possible promotion to division B.

A Micro League round consists of 49 events and from this the Centurions achieved an impressive total 36 personal best times.

This has shown how each child is constantly developing and getting stronger through hard work and regular training sessions in their link groups and development squads.

Blackburn Centurions Micro League Team Manager, Jamie Dodd said: “It was an excellent effort from Blackburn. Swim Trafford are a huge club and it was always going to be a tough meet but we really gave them a lot to think about.

“Hopefully we will meet them again in the swim offs where we will battle for promotion.

“Micro League is a superb platform for young or inexperienced swimmers to take their first steps into the often daunting world of competitive swimming.”

For many of the Blackburn Centurion squad , they were competed for the first time but each of them put their absolute best into their swims showing that Blackburn are, once again attracting some fantastic youngsters from within the borough.

Blackburn Centurions Head Coach, John McGinty added: “‘It was a great achievement by Blackburn Centurions Micro League Community.

“All of our swimmers with the incredible backing of their parents, grandparents, coaching staff and supporters swam exceptionally well to pull off this fantastic result’.

Anyone 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.