BLACKBURN Centurions Micro League swimmers have secured themselves a place in the Division B swim-offs after a nail biting fourth round victory at Pendle Leisure Centre.

Facing Colne, Garstang and Blackpool the Centurions knew this would not be an easy meet and needed every point possible to ensure that top spot and a place in the finals, held in Blackpool on September 5th.

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The young talented Blackburn squad did not disappoint, securing first place in a third of the 49 events held on the day, showing grit and resilience in what was a very tough round.

The nail-biting was not over yet though.

Blackburn Centurions had won their final round but there were still two outstanding fixtures to take place in the division before the Centurions could confirm a place in the promotion swim off but with the Centurions winning three of their four galas, it was unlikely this was going to change anything.

As these galas took place, this assumption was correct, and the Centurions will now swim at the end of season swim off in September looking to achieve promotion.

With this young strong talented team anything can happen.

Micro League Team Manager, Jamie Dodd said: ‘I’m running out of superlatives to describe the efforts of this squad this season.

“That was by far the most exciting gala yet and to win it on the last race in what can only be described as a Hollywood finish was something special.

“We had our biggest squad ever in Micro League this season and every single swimmer deserves credit for getting us to the swim offs.

“I am very proud of them all.

Blackburn Centurions Head Coach, John McGinty said: “Huge congratulations to all Blackburn Centurion Micro League swimmers in qualifying for the Division Swim Offs.

“Together with Colne, Blackpool and Garstang they put together a fantastic exhibition of swimming taking the last competition of the in-season down to the last race.

Over the four competitions that complete the in-season, “Centurions involved a massive 73 different swimmers, boys and girls aged between 9 and 12 competing in all four swimming disciplines.

“This achievement is testament to a fantastic commitment from all Centurion volunteer coaches, poolside helpers and parents whose goal is to develop the youngest of our swimmers and nurture a healthy competitive ethic.”

The Micro League Division B swim off finals will be held at Blackpool’s Palatine Leisure Centre on September 5 and the young Centurion squad will be ready to do battle.

Blackburn Centurions are always keen to encourage new members to join our competitive swim team.

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