TWELVE girls from the combined team of West Dorset and Weymouth Synchro excelled at the Dorset County Novice Grade One, Two, Age Groups and Championships held at Thomas Hardye Leisure Centre in Dorchester.

Entering the very strong novice solo section in their first synchronised swimming competition, Jessie and Gemma Hughes used the music ‘Showtime’ and indeed showed their true potential. The lively routine was enjoyed by all and their first and second places respectively were well deserved, as was their first place when they paired up in the novice duet. Stephanie Fuller showed her ‘Promise’ when she entered the water and performed her routine to the music of the same name, gaining a respectable fifth place, which did not reflect just how close the marks were.

The entries in the Grade One section also proved how their dedication and training is paying off. Georgia Bynley-Jones used the McFly version of ‘Don’t Stop the Music’ to take first place with team-mates Hannah Walden (entering her first synchro competition) and Katie Christian-Drage not far behind in fourth and fifth respectively. Three West Dorset girls then went head to head in the Grade Two section, and although the marks for the technical merit were identical for all three, it was the difference in the artistic impression which gave Charlotte Mansell first place with Jessie Element and Amie Buttle second and third. Only 0.4 separated first and third.

Mansell and Element also paired up to take the Grade Two trophy for their interpretation of ‘Livin La Vida Loca.’ Next came the age groups in which not only did the girls have to perform four set figures but also routines lasting from one-and-a-half to three minutes. Karina Chegwidden entered the 13-14 years section for the first time and gained first place in both figures and routines before joining her team-mate Gemma Lawrence, from Weymouth, in the 15-16 age group duet where they also came out on top.

Lawrence, again entering the 15-16 and 17 age groups for the first time gained a creditable second place in both.

Her figure marks represented a huge achievement, as the progression from Grade Two to three (the Championship Grade) means that the judging is more critical and good marks are not given lightly. Heidi Chegwidden came next in the 18+ age group and rounded the evening off with gold medals in both her age group figures and solo. Lawrence then joined Heidi Chegwidden by stepping up an age group to take gold in the duet section.

West Dorset and Weymouth Synchro coach Chris Seall said: “We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Dorset Echo for their Youth Club Monthly Award Scheme. “Winning this award last October gave us the opportunity to seek the additional funds we needed to purchase a new sound system for use on poolside. The system was purchased earlier this year and was used in preparation for this competition.”

If you would like to join West Dorset and Weymouth Synchro contact Seall on 773575.