McBratney was named as the top over-15s girl at the event on the Fylde Coast, one of a number of Barrow youngsters to shine in the pool. The team claimed 90 personal bests from 130 swims, and McBratney said: “I’m honoured to have such a fantastic team behind me.
“All the kids were well behaved and the team atmosphere was spectacular, everyone swam their best and truly did Barrow proud.
“There were bucket-fulls of PBs smashed in nearly every race, not to forget the spot prizes of bucket and spades that were won by Alex Thompson and Charlie Gallagher.”
A field of 36 swimming clubs from across the North West competed in Blackpool, with Barrow finishing fifth overall in the medals table.
As well as McBratney’s success, Sam Gallagher was the top 11-year-old boy and Jamie-Leigh Tyson broke the 100m freestyle county record for the nine-year-olds.
McBratney added: “Seeing the team spirit and seeing them dancing the YMCA and even Greased Lightning during the pre-warm up session made for a great atmosphere. The future is looking good for our younger swimmers and I hope they continue to improve but also just enjoy it.”
The Barrow team know they have plenty of hard work to do and are looking forward to continued success in the 2016 Diddy League and also the Premier Division of the North West Arena League later this year.
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