Isle of Man Wins Men’s Invitational Team Gold
The Isle of Man Gymnastics Association Boys Invitational Competition which was held at Manx Gymnastics Club attracted gymnasts from Bury, Garstang, Matlock and Milton Keynes competing in various age groups. Competing level 1 routines Glen Quayle scored an impressive 9.3 on Vault to win Gold and also collected a bronze on Parallel Bars. 3 young gymnasts competing in the invitational for the first time from EVGC were Luke Strickett-Morling, Matthew Humphrey and James Harrison. The boys showed no nerves and will be looking to build on this experience as they work towards the Isle of Man Championships.
The most anticipated competition of the day was the under 12/14 comp with any entry of 22 gymnasts. This comp also incorporated the team event. Representing the IOM was Tony Duchars, Nicholas Harvey, Anton Ivshin and Callum Smithies. The combined scores of the 4 boys was enough for team success and to the delight of the home crowd the IOM were crowned winners of the team event. Building on his recent success, Tony won the under 12 individual comp with a score of 73.0. Tony was impressive on his favourite piece, Pommel, his score of12.9 was rewarded with Gold. He also won Gold on Rings and Vault. Nicholas, building on the experience of competing in the British Championships mastered several new moves and although he was out of the individual medals was 5th overalll with a combined score of 61.4. Callum who competed in the under 14 age group landed his double back off High Bar andwas rewarded with a Gold Medal, he also won gold on Vault and was 2nd overall in the under 14 age group. Ellan Vannin were well represented in the team competition as it was able to field a club team of Robert Jones, who completed an under somersault for the first time in competition on Parallel Bars, Daniel Isherwood who just missed out on a medal on Floor with 12.4, Cedric Lucas who was competing at under 12 for the first time who scored 12.5 on Vault and Oliver Scott who was the final member of the team. His best result was again on Vault with 12.0. Due to an ankle injury earlier in the week, Lawrence Godsell was only able to compete on 2 pieces, Pommel and Rings. Despite being in pain Lawrence completed his routines to receive the overall bronze medal. Despite a late finish, the event proved to be a great show case for young talented gymnasts from on and off the Island. the club would like to thank the Isle of Man Gymnastics Association who organsied the competition and Lloyds TSB for its continued support and all those involved in running a very successful competition, enjoyed by the local and visiting gymnasts.
