Perfect timing for Pioneer 79 (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Perfect timing for Pioneer 79

3:01pm Tuesday 8th March 2011 in Sport By Steve Tinniswood, Sports reporter

PIONEER 79 swimmers have been busy clocking up Lancashire Qualifying times competing in galas across the north of England.

The LQT are times needed by swimmers to qualify for the Lancashire County Champion-ships next month – and the young swimmers have been doing just that.

At the North Lancashire Age Group Championships, Connor Roberts, nine, won bronze in the 200m individual medley and 50m breaststroke and achieved LQTs in both.

Niamh Robinson, 11, gained her LQT in the challenging 800m – a distance Olivia Nicholls, 10, Alice Harding, Meghan Leaver, both 11, and 12-year-old Mesha Ingham-Francis all competed in for the first time.

Brother and sister, Joseph and Abigail Murray each achieved personal best times in their event.

At the Harrogate Open, Meghan Leaver gained LQTs in the 200m freestyle and individual medley.

It was also another family affair with Alice Harding, 11 and brother James, 12, both in fine form.

Alice gained LQT’s in six of her nine events while James picked up five and silver and bronze medals.

The talented William Bevan, 12, gained regional qualifying times in four events – meaning he can now compete in the regional finals – while he also won a silver medal in the 100m breaststroke.

And Chloe Shields, swimming in the girls 12 category, earned a LQT in the 50m freestyle.