Brothers make a splash

Youngster Joe McCallion produced strong backstroke and butterfly swims to bring home two wins for Newark Swimming Club in their first gala of 2013.

McCallion won in the boys’ under-11 50m backstroke and the boys’ under-11 50m butterfly at Hucknall Leisure Centre.

Joe’s younger brother Angus made it a family affair when he won his first race for the club, winning the boys’ under-8 breastroke, leaving the siblings with half of Newark’s gala trophies.

The boys’ ten and 11 years medley relay team kicked off proceedings with a win.

Also making a good start to the gala were the girls’ eight and nine years relay team, who finished third.

Ethan Riches got the touch for first in the boys’ under-9 50m backstroke, while Jessica Reid secured her first win for the club in the girls’ under-8 50m freestyle.

Coach John Palmer said: “This gala was aimed at the younger and least experienced swimmers at the club and they performed very well.

“Six wins and 13 personal best times so soon after the Christmas break left the swimmers, parents, and coaches with a smile on their faces.”

The club will travel to their first Sports Centre League gala on Saturday in Worksop after getting promoted last season.

Palmer said the club were likely to finish fifth or sixth, but is expecting some good times on the night.