QUAYSIDE Trampoline & Gymnastics Club gymnasts have been among the medals again.

This month saw a team of 13 travel to Eastleigh, to take part in the first national competition of the season.

The English Championships qualifier saw more than 550 competitors perform two routines each over the two-day event.

The gymnasts' aim was to finish in the top 16 in their group, to qualify for the English Championships later in the year.

Silver level gymnasts started the event on Saturday.

Quayside entered six gymnasts into this level, with four of them competing on the national circuit for the first time, and the day ended with 100 per cent completion of individual routines.

In the 9-10 years girls category, Evie Ledger finished seventh and Aneya Bamsey 34th.

The 11-12 years girls category had a field of 79 competitors, with Alannah Taylor topping the Quayside gymnasts in 23rd, ahead of Caitlin Alexander in 32nd and Morgan Boddington in 45th.

Connor Harding, competing for the first time in a national event, faced a strong field of competitors and finished in a very respectable ninth place.

Sunday was the Gold level gymnasts competition.

With seven Quayside gymnasts participating in this event, it was an early start to the day for the 9-10 years boys.

Mike Oleksiyevets made a strong start to his season, taking the gold medal, with team-mate Dale Edwards securing bronze and the last of the trio, Joel Arlotte, finishing sixth.

In the 11-12 years boys competition, DJ Walton finished 12th.

Talia Macrides (13-14 years girls) unfortunately made an uncharacteristic mistake in her second routine, seeing her finish in 20th position.

The 13-14 years boys group is an extremely strong group, with a number of GB squad members competing; Theo Gundry White finished 10th and Luke Jowlett 19th.

Senior coach Carl Hall said: “This was a great warm-up competition for the season to come, with some positive performances from the younger gymnasts and the first outing of new routines for our more experienced performers.

"It showed where they can make gains for the next competition.

"There was a great team spirit with all gymnasts supporting each other.

"I would also like to thank our judge, Lorraine Naish, for giving up her weekend to support the team.”

Quayside offers lessons for all ages and abilities in preschool gymnastics, general gymnastics, parkour and trampoline; call 01278 458060 or visit www.quayside.club for more details.