HAVING been invited to enter as a guest team, Tornadoes of South Dorset were delighted to attend the first round of the Jurassic League held at St Mary’s School in Shaftesbury.

Against teams from Bridport, Heron, Blandford, Wincanton and Illminster, the Tornadoes certainly put on a great performance, winning 25 of the 59 races and gaining top-three finishes in another 26 to claim the opening round of the league by more than 50 points.

Jenny Scott and Luke Bassett swam into the record books by achieving club records in the 25m backstroke.

Bassett’s was one of 11 personal best times he has achieved during his current busy schedule, while Scott also gained a pb in the 25m freestyle.

In total, 57 personal bests were achieved to push the total for the season past the 1,000 mark, showing that the dedication put in by the swimmers is paying off.

PERSONAL BESTS

Jacob Baldwin, Abigail Barnes, Rebecca Beal (2), Sam Dunning (2), Josh Frampton (4), Scott Greaney (5), Ellie Harvey (2), Kirsty Holmes, Harry Hutchinson (2), Luke Bassett (11), Jenny Scott (2), Phoebe Jones, Lewis Limm (2) Oliver Mills (2) Martin Mitchell, Chloe Perkins, Emma Perkins, Ciaran Richards (4), Max Richardson, Emily Robinson (4), Charlie Rowe (2), Eleanor Smith, Hope Stanger, Connor Ward (3).

Making her debut in a team event for Tornadoes after joining in September, Emily Robinson also enjoyed a hectic but very successful afternoon.

She won the 50m breaststroke in the 14-and-under category and also swam up an age group to claim a second-placed finish in the same discipline.

Swimming back in her own age group, Robinson also finished second in the 50m butterfly to complete her individual races.

She then joined Kirsty Holmes, Emma Perkins and Eleanor Smith in the 14-and-under relay races. The quartet won the freestyle event and finished runners-up in the medley.

This was a first win for Smith in the 14-and-under freestyle relay and she was understandably thrilled.

To finish a fine afternoon, Robinson then teamed up with Bex Dashwood, Sam Dunning and Hope Stanger to claim second in the 16-and-under medley relay.

Team manager Bill Babb was delighted by the team’s performance and attitude.

He said: “There was a great team spirit among the squad which helped them achieve the fantastic results they have.

“It was very pleasing to see the older swimmers coaching and helping the younger swimmers throughout the gala.”

Anyone wishing to join Torn-adoes of South Dorset to either learn to swim, swim comp- etitively, or access extra training, contact the club secretary to arrange an assessment by emailing tornadoessecretary@btinter net.com