Burnett and Vine in the swim (From Bucks Free Press)

Burnett and Vine in the swim

SIMON Burnett and Alex Vine boosted their chances of Commonwealth Games selection as they helped Wycombe District Swimming Club finish third at the Three-Day Reading Open.

They warmed up for their Commonwealth Games trials later this months by reeling in the medals as Wycombe finished third out of the 58 clubs who took part.

Eighteen-year-old Burnett won three 50m sprint events, taking the honours in the backstroke, butterfly and freestyle events, breaking county and club records in all three.

Vine was also in form. The 16-year-old won the over 16s and Open golds in the 200m butterfly, 200m individual medley and 100m butterfly.

He also won silver in the 50m butterfly and bronze in the 50m backstroke as he helped his club collect 24 gold, 24 silver and 16 bronze medals overall.

Francesca Wright had a field day. She won golds in the 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke and 200m backstroke. She also took silvers in the 800m freestyle, 200m individual medley and 400m freestyle.

The club's other gold medallists were: Thomas Hearn in the 12-years-and-under 50m breaststroke; Anna Jemielity in the 12-years 50m butterfly; Rebecca O'Brien in the 12-years 800m freestyle; Daniel Gomme in the 16+ years and Open 200m backstroke and James Poulter in the 14-years 100m freestyle.

Amersham swimmers were also in action at the meeting. Their squad included Bermudan Commonwealth Games swimmer Roy Allen Birch, who has joined them on loan to prepare for the Manchester Games.

Still suffering from jet-lag, he came second in the 50m freestyle age-group, and third in the final. He also came fourth in the 100m backstroke and fifth in the 100m freestyle as Amersham won six gold medals, six silvers and five bronzes.

Hannah Shaw, 12, led the way winning the 100m butterfly, breaking the existing meet record in the process while Andrea Poore's victory in the 100m backstroke gave her an age group record.

Caroline Finnegan, 14, won gold in the 100m backstroke and silver in the 200m backstroke while Sarah Chamberlain,13, won gold in the 400m individual medley.

Jenifer Howard kept the medals coming, winning the 100m freestyle and coming second in the 100m and 200m backstroke.

Kate Antrobus continued her good form, winning the open 100m breaststroke which followed her recent club record 200m breaststroke swim.

Katie Ambridge took silver in the 200m butterfly and won bronze in the 200m individual medley and 100m backstroke while Victoria Robinson took silver in the 200m individual medley and 100m backstroke.

April 3, 2002 11:00