AFTER successfully competing in the regional preliminary competition at Abercynon Leisure Centre in March, Silverstars Gymnastics Club was again amongst the medals at the National Preliminary competition.

This annual event organised by Welsh Gymnastics took place on April 16 and 17 at Pontypool Active Living Centre.

The recreational competition attracted over 500 children representing gymnastics clubs from the whole of Wales. Silverstars were represented by 26 girls and boys who took part in both team and individual events in the different age groups. For some children it was their first experience of competition outside the club.

There were some excellent achievements in the various levels.

The Under-12s level 2 team of Evelyn Smith, Maddie Wing, Annabel Grosfils, Anwen Jackson and Isabel Wing earned a gold medal in a team event consisting of 13 teams and 60 competitors. Evelyn finished third overall and fourth on tumble with Maddie taking sixth overall.

In Under-10s level 2 Charlotte Palmer finished third on tumble and sixth overall. The team of Charlotte, Lydia Paley, Lucia Wainwright, Annie Scott-Lawson and Jessica Jones finished in silver medal position.

There were some great performances from the Under-14 girls team of Jessica Dunlop, Grace Wing, Molly Barlow and Teagan Greenhough also taking silver. Jessica finished first on vault and fourth overall.

A special mention for Ioan Greenhough and Jacob Adams who finished third and fourth respectively in the boys Under-10s level 2 and Georgia Vaughan in her first competition at level 3 taking third in tumble, sixth on vault and a creditable fifth overall.

The children continue to train at Fairfield Primary School during the week on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. For further information regarding classes or half term courses, please contact Jenny Hignett (coach) 07721 992255.