CITY of Hereford Swimming Club have closed the gap on many of the leading clubs in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The club that ranked fifth at the Worcester County Championships in 2008 have powered their way through eight of 14 sessions to second place so far this season.

With 69 medals (including age group medals and overall championship) and a phenomenal improvement in age-group finals, the city club look set to annihilate their overall medal tally from last year.

Grace Alexander, Oliver Bufton, Hannah Casewell, Charlie Combe, Crystal Cope, George Field, Issy Fox, Josh Haines, Micheal Herbert, Lucia Hinksman, Pat Meggitt, Jess Rogers, Connor Smith, Lydia Stratford, Taylor Whitchurch, Thea Berrisford, Tom Harris, Hugo Lemar, Cobus Oosthuizen, Courtney Smith, Jamie Westoby, Maddy Hayden and Mary Yoxall all graced the podium (receiving gold, silver, bronze).

Pat Meggitt and Jess Rogers set several new Worcester county records on the way.

After eight county sessions, the club have clocked an incredible 69 Midland District qualifying times and two National qualifying times.

These are held by 17 athletes: Thea Berrisford (2 MDQT), Mary Yoxall (1 MDQT), Jamie Westoby (4 MDQT), Charlie Combe (7 MDQT), Tom Harris (1 MDQT), Taylor Whitchurch (9 MDQT and 2 NQT), Grace Alexander (4 MDQT), Crystal Cope (2 MDQT), George Field (1 MDQT), Lucia Hinksman (5 MDQT), Micheal Herbert (1 MDQT), Connor Smith (1 MDQT), Roger Holland (6 MDQT), Jess Rogers (8MDQT), Oliver Bufton (3 MDQT) and Josh Haines (4 MDQT).

With just 11 entrants to Districts in 2008, the 17 qualifiers listed above (which does not include University members who will also represent the club) are a true reflection of the club’s successful transition.

Males 14/under and females 13/under still have two months to qualify and the City of Hereford coaching team are confident that even more swimmers will convert their times.

Departing chief coach Matt Puddy said: “Amazing; as a coach you can’t ask for much more.

“We have nearly doubled our county finalists, improved our medal tally, added county records, achieved 69 Midland District qualifying times and two National qualifying times.

“Our squad has focused entirely on 200-metre plus events and I’m excited to think that the club may have more district qualifying times than any other club in the county.

“I aim to convert a few more National Times and the season will prove (again) to be one of our most successful.’’