Brothers shine in under-strength team

Brothers Toby and Jamie Love were in excellent form for Newark Swimming Club in the first Sports Centre League gala of the year.

The pair came away with half of Newark’s wins and personal best times in their Division Two meeting at Hucknall Leisure Centre.

Newark had been expected to achieve sixth position after struggling for numbers. Only seven girls were available when ten are needed for a full squad.

Despite missing out on ten races, however, a number of outstanding performances ensured Newark finished fourth on the night.

They were competing against Sutton B, Carlton Forum, Arnold and new clubs Portland and Loughborough Town.

Toby Love secured two first places in the boy’s under-11s 50m breaststroke and 50m butterfly, with a personal best in the latter event.

His brother Jamie swam for victory in the boys’ nine-years 50m breastroke.

He was also part of a successful nine-years mixed relay, along with Connie Harding, Finlay Greenacre-Allen and Emma Arthur.

There was a victory for Jessica Reed in the 100m under-15 girls’ freestyle.

She also claimed second places in the 100m individual medley and open age group freestyle.

Amelia Gibson won the under-11 girls’ 50m butterfly and was second in the 50m backstroke.

Ben Farrow impressed with two second-place finishes in the boys’ open individual medley and freestyle.

There were third-place finishes for Owen Hathway, Ben Bilton, Ben George, Gracie Palmer and Angus McCallion.

Connie Harding and Finlay Greenacre-Allen made their gala debuts, while 21 personal bests were picked up by Newark swimmers.

The next gala will be held at Lammas Leisure Centre on March 17.