Nearly perfect Parfit reigns in the sister isle

VICTORIA PARFIT came away from the seventh Summer Graded Sprint Meet in Jersey with a deserved best girl award. She was among a 45-strong team from the Beau Sejour Barracudas competing in the nine to 13 age groups.

All four Channel Islands clubs were represented, as well as Kingfishers Swimming Club from Doncaster.

The competition divided swimmers into A and B categories depending on their personal best times with the exception of the nine-year-olds where no entry times were stipulated.

Parfit took first in the 13 years' A category in five events - 50m fly and breast, 100m fly and IM and 100m breast - as well as winning silver medals in the remaining four events.

Competing in the same age group, Joshua Lewis claimed six golds and three silvers in some fast and furious swimming as he came head to head in many events with Regent Tigers' talented Daniel Gallaway.

With many events decided on the touch, Lewis' professional attitude toward his pace and finishing techniques paid off.

Six A golds and two silvers went to 10-year-old Kristina Neves as she continues to make the top heats on her entered times despite her young age.

Her gold medal-winning performances came in the 50m and 100m freestyle and breaststroke, the 100m IM and 50m butterfly.

It was the excellent backstroker, Molly Grayson, of Kingfishers, who claimed the backstroke titles from her.

Twelve-year-old Joe Ogier also had a great weekend, winning A golds in 50m and 100m butterfly, 50m breast and 100m IM as well as being runner-up in three further events.

Also in this age group, Jodie Rawles won the 50m freestyle and 100m IM, producing some excellent personal best times.

In the youngest age group and on their first away trip, the Barracuda nine-year-olds swam well.

Harry Parfit won gold in the 50m breast and backstroke and the 100m IM and three silvers.

Despite a nervous start to the gala, Lydia Cherry gained in confidence to take the gold in the 25m butterfly with teammate Chloe Tostevin winning two silver and two bronze in the same age group.

Making his mark for the 10-year-olds, Miles Munro excelled in the sprints, winning the 50m freestyle and breaststroke, being runner-up in the 50m butterfly as well as claiming four bronze medals.

In the same age group, Katherine Jensen continued to make her presence felt, especially in the backstroke and breaststroke events.

Jamie Salmon continued in the family of breaststroke tradition, winning the 100m event with a further A gold going to Toby Belton (10 years) in the 100m backstroke.