RUGBY Artistic Swimming Club won the prestigious Combo Cup title following a stellar performance from the club’s swimmers at Ponds Forge in Sheffield.
Rugby won the trophy for the first time since 2021 as the club’s swimmers impressed across the various age groups to win the overall title, competing against clubs from across the country.
And Rugby finished just one point ahead of City of Salford after producing two superb routines in the final event of the competition to overtake their closest rivals. That meant Rugby ended the Combo Cup top of the standings on 34 points with Salford one point behind on 33.
Rugby took gold in Division Two of the 12-and-under category as swimmers Aaron Lee, Keva Ennis, Caitlin Rose-Smith, Charlotte Wilkins, Elsa Gaskin, Isobelle Watkins, Melinda Bogdanova, Ruby Shepherd, Seren Humphrey and Sophie Croft produced a fabulous performance.
And Rugby also won gold in Division Two of the 13 to 15-year-old category thanks to the efforts of swimmers Chloe Bartholomew, Olivia Barry, Frankie Klym, Lola Huett, Saranne Black, Beatrice Banks, Amelie Jeary, Amy Tetlow, Darcey Townsend and Lucy Gates.
Rugby claimed bronze in Division One of the 13 to 15-year-old category courtesy of a fine swim from Isabella Franks, Alice Pavlova, Daisy Clar, Daisy Jenkins, Emily Babb, Jemima Parkinson, Kara Duckett, Leah Anstruther, Mabel Chapman and Sophia Myranova.
The club placed fourth and fifth in Division Two of the 15 to 18-year-old category as swimmers Alexa Holland, Amy Buckley, Eve Nelson, Imogen Ravenhall, India Townsend, Matilda John, Olivia Eves, Poppy Williams and Tyra Watson just missed out on a medal.
Rugby’s head coach, Hannah Secher, said: “The success over the weekend was down to the commitment and rigorous training of every individual swimmer, their commitment to being team players and the excellent coaches and volunteers who keep the club performing at such a high level season after season.”
Rugby’s masters swimmers also enjoyed success as Sandra Anstruther, Julie Bowler-Smith, Satumaria Ford, Ruth MacCallum, Annette Parker, Catherine Reekie, Alison Richardson and Joyce Williams won silver for their routine.
MacCallum and Williams also won gold for an outstanding duet in the 60 to 69 age category.
Anyone interested in trying artistic swimming can contact head coach Hannah Secher at: [email protected] or visit the website at: rugbysynchro.co.uk
