DUNOON Amateur Swimming Club youngsters put in a spirited performance at the first round of the West District Clyde Coast Mini League for 12-and-under swimmers, held at Larkhall Pool at the end of January.
Although the Dunoon team was reduced in numbers for a variety of reasons, the swimmers more than made up for it with enthusiasm, speed and vocal support. Competing against much larger squads from Larkhall and Dumfries — both fielding more than three times the number of swimmers — Dunoon still made their presence felt in several events.
A standout performance came from nine-year-old Rowan Rough, who claimed an impressive victory in the 25-metre freestyle by a clear margin. Ten-year-old Annabelle Taylor also caught the eye, finishing a strong second in the 50-metre butterfly in her first competitive appearance for the team.
Having just turned nine, David Gillan continued his excellent form with a second-place finish in the 25-metre butterfly, while the girls’ 10-and-under medley relay team — Poppy Blair (backstroke), Ingrid Gisca (breaststroke), Annabelle Taylor (butterfly) and Lily Alice Pears (freestyle) — raced to second place in the 4×25-metre event.
The remaining Dunoon swimmers — Ava Appleton, Maddison Mackellar, Sandaigh McKenna, Finlay Ramage, Zeke McGunnigall and James Morley — all competed strongly, with several narrowly missing out on podium finishes.
Dunoon’s team chant proved loud and popular throughout the day, and swimmers joined in enthusiastically with the other clubs during the half-time sing-along and the traditional mass jump into the pool at the end of the meet.
The next round of the Mini League takes place at Greenock Waterfront on March 1, where Dunoon will face Inverclyde and South Ayrshire. The final round is scheduled for April 25 in Dunoon, against teams from Kirkintilloch/Kilsyth and West Dunbartonshire.
Looking ahead, Argyll and Bute Schools trials will be held in Campbeltown on March 17, while the club championships — postponed from December due to pool closure — are now set for March 22. Additional competitions are also planned for the club’s Riverside swimmers at Linwood and Dumfries.
The club is actively seeking new coaches and if any past swimmer or anyone with an interest in swimming would like to know more, they can contact the head coach, Speth Black, or enquire at the pool where there is a club noticeboard with contact details.
