A STRONG Swindon Dolphin squad took part in the recent Portsmouth Northsea Easter Swim Festival and came home with a new national qualifier, two club records, and the knowledge that the club had been represented in 10 finals during the weekend.

James Clark notched up his first national qualifying time of the year in the heats of the 50m freestyle, one of the two events he qualified for last season.

Shortly after, Clark swam even faster in the final and his 24.44, achieved on his way to a bronze medal, broke the club record previously held by Ben Matthews.

The most frustrated swimmer of the weekend was Joe Kerslake, who came agonisingly close to achieving his first national qualifying times since returning to the club. Just a third of a second stood between Kerslake and his 50m backstroke time, and in the 100m backstroke it was 0.85 of a second.

Kerslake was one of six Dolphin swimmers to reach finals over the weekend.

Liam Herbert made the final eight in both the 100m and 200m backstroke, taking silver in the shorter distance.

There were bronze medals for Kerslake in the 50m backstroke, Clark in the 50m freestyle, Charlotte Gardo in the 50m breaststroke and Charlotte Pitts in the 200m freestyle. Other finalists were Kerslake (100m backstroke), Clark (50m breaststroke & 100m freestyle), Gardo (200m breaststroke) and the duo of Pitts and Victoria Jennings (200m butterfly).

Catching the eye again was Adam Coleman, who accumulated a number of personal best times, including his first sub one minute long course 100m freestyle.