COTSWOLD Gymnastics Club took three of their stars to the 2017 British Adults Championships on Sunday, August 6.

Held at the National Sports Centre at Lilleshall near Telford the three gymnasts entering all competed in the six-piece Men’s Artistic competition.

The disciplines each gymnast had to undertake were Floor, Pommel Horse, Rings, High Bar, Parallel Bars and Vault.

Jamie Martin, Richard Molland and Drew Marriott had been in training for the past few months both at the clubs facilities at Deer Park School, Cirencester and at Swindon School of Gymnastics.

Richard was competing in the over 40’s novice category for the second time, putting in a great all-round performance to finish fourth.

He increased the difficulty in his routines and successfully landed a forward somersault on floor and performed an impressive Rings routine with back somersault dismount.

Richard came second on High Bar and put in a good Handspring on Vault, he also showed good composure, using his experience well.

Jamie competed in last year’s pro tumbling competition, he entered his first ever six-piece comp in the 30+ Intermediate category which allowed him to showcase his advanced floor tumbles.

This year he placed first on Pommel Horse, put in a solid P-Bars routine and a unique somersault half twist on Rings lining himself up for third Place after three rounds.

He pulled out all the stops for vault with a half on half off Handspring before racking up a massive start value on floor, putting in all variations of somersault in his tumbles; full twist, side and half turn front out.

Unfortunately, Judges were harsh on his execution and that combined with a field of experienced gymnasts who have long been doing six-piece, saw Jamie demoted to fifth.

Drew the Cotswold Gymnastic Club’s Men’s Artistic coach entered this year off the back of Silver Medal success in a six-piece adult’s competition at Basingstoke.

Having worked hard to advance his routines on all six disciplines Drew came up just short of a podium finish, taking fourth spot overall.

Speaking after the competition Drew, Jamie and Richard said they enjoyed the day immensely with the friendly, encouraging vibe from all the gymnasts and spectators.

They also said they were proud of the small Cotswolds club punching above its weight once more, while competing against larger clubs.