PIONEER '79 swimmer Alison Naylor captained the Bolton and District girls' team at the Inter Association Gala held at Everton Park Sports Centre, Liverpool, over two weekends.

Alison was also presented with the Captain's Trophy by the area president and made two finalist placings in the 100m backstroke and 400m freestyle - both improving on her personal best times.

Sheila Buck, coach with Pioneer 79, was appointed girls' team coach for the event during which Pioneer '79 swimmers produced a superb team effort and will thoroughly benefit from the experience of competing at this level. The team finished in fifth place overall position with Liverpool and District taking the trophy for most points at the meets. Pioneer 79 swimmers taking part were: Rachel Clark, Robert West, Ben Nichols, David Fairbrother, Daniel Fisher, Stephanie Abbott, Gemma Holden, Joanne Pratt, Sam Dunderdale, Christopher Pratt, Shereen Mala and Rebecca Stones.

In the Lancashire Age Groups Pioneer '79 swimmers continued to excel and gain final placings, with Alison Naylor winning two silver medals at the event for the 100m and 50m backstroke. She also won three bronze medals in the 200m individual medley and as a team member in the relays. In the 4 x 100m team Alison swam the first leg on the backstroke to give the team a lead into the change over.

Shereen Mala maintained the pace in her breaststroke leg to Stephanie Abbot the fly and Joanne Pratt, freestyle. The girls took bronze medal position.

In the 4 x 100m freestyle Joanne Pratt, Alison Naylor, Shereen Mala and Rebecca Stones took bronze place.

At the Northern Counties Meet at Stockport, Alison Naylor came second in the 50m backstroke.

To join Pioneer '79, whose sessions are held at Hyndburn Sports Centre, QEGS and Bank Hey Swimming Pools, Blackburn, ring Kath Pratt on 01254 231794.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.