BLACKBURN Centurions’ mini marvels have clinched promotion following a dramatic Micro League North West ‘swim-off’ finals at Blackpool.

The super swimmers, all aged under 12, needed to finish in the top two to gain promotion to Division B - and they did just that, clinching runners-up spot in the final event of the day.

The Centurions knew they were in for a tough test as they were competing against some of the strongest clubs in the North West, including Swim Trafford, Preston Seals and Leyland B.

As expected, Swim Trafford took an early lead after the relay races but Blackburn fought back with some superb individual races to move in to second place but just one ahead of Leyland Barracudas.

All was going to plan and by event 30 the Centurions were chasing Swim Trafford but had pulled a healty 20 point lead on Leyland.

The final event of the day was an eight swimmer ‘cannon’ made up of four boys and four girls of each age group nine to 12 years swimming an individual length of front crawl in relay format.

It proved to be the most exciting race of the day and the Blackburn squad finished second behind Swim Trafford but secured a vital three points to add to their total.

A nervous wait while points were totted up ended when Blackburn Centurions had confirmed they had sealed second spot and, with it, promotion to Division B.

And there was more good news for the club when Isaac Butler and Spencer Cragg won top 10-year-old boy and top 11-year-old boy respectively and were both presented with a trophy.

Micro League Team Manager, Jamie Dodd, was delighted with his team’s efforts.

“Our swimmers come from all over Blackburn and Darwen, not only do they swim for the Centurions, they also represent their families and their schools and their towns as a whole,” he said.

“We should all share in this triumph and be very proud of the talent we have in this borough.”

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

“A large portion of Blackburn’s squad had only competed once or twice in their lives, some had never competed before this meet but every single child put their absolute best into their swims showing that Blackburn are, once again attracting some fantastic youngsters from within the borough.”

Blackburn Centurions motto ‘Learn. Train. Compete.’ puts strong emphasis on swimming development, structured training and competition success. As the club continues to grow, so do their successes at higher levels where they are seeing superb results from its competitive swim squads - starting at Micro League and continuing all the way through to national level.

Blackburn Centurions Head Coach, John McGinty said: “While a massive congratulations should go to all the coaches, parents and supporters for their help with Blackburn Centurions Micro League promotion, the real credit should be given to the swimmers chosen to represent their club in the swim off finals.

“So well done to everyone who took part, and keep up the good work.”

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

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