Scerri breaks age-group record

The senior and junior national squads, respectively under the charge of Russian Oleg Kreker and Gail Rizzo, and a host of other club swimmers, were yesterday engaged in their first competitive outing this season.

The event was the first time trial where just over 50 Maltese swimmers, comprising all age-groups, took part.

Pride of place goes to Kyle Scerri, of Neptunes. He broke the 50m 'fly age-group record for Category 'C' when clocking 28.44, 16 hundredths of a second inside his own previous best.

Scerri, 14, was also just outside his own freestyle category record when he registered 27.32 in the one-lap event.

Other notable swims came from Neil Agius, who recorded 27.81 and 2:28.50 in the 50m free and the 200 IM, both PB's.

Lara Callus and Niki Abela also recorded PBs, Callus covering the 200 free in 2:19.61 and Abela the 200 IM in 2:42.13.

Kreker and Rizzo both said that, apart from other results from the youngsters, our established swimmers seem to be in the right groove, considering the early stage of the season.

The first cycle will be completed after two more time trials in November and December. The swimmers are also due to travel to Germany in December to take part in an Open and Age-Group swimming meeting.

Yesterday's event was highlighted by the participation of a 37-strong group from Northam-pton and Lincoln Swimming Clubs who have several promising youngsters.

Some of their swimmers are members of the Great Britain squad. These are currently on a training camp in Malta.