Ipswich: Success for Pipers Vale gymnasts at English Championships

Pipers Vale Gymnastics in Ipswich sent a record number of eighteen gymnasts to the tournament that was held in Telford.

The English Championships is the first major competition of the year, and forms the basis of English National Squad selections.

Rishad Al-Amin became English Champion on the parallel bars, and third on rings. Credit: Pipers Vale (Image: Pipers Vale)

Rishad Al-Amin had a standout competition, becoming the best in the country for the U14's on the parallel bars, and also taking the bronze medal on rings.

Zack Hammond picked up a medal in the U16's category, finishing third on floor.

Daniel Leighton Scott also picked up a bronze medal in the U18s category on the floor.

Daniel Leighton Scott (second from right) picked up bronze in the floor event. Credit: Pipers Vale (Image: Pipers Vale)

Zack Hammond and Luke Patterson competed in the men's U16, with Zack winning bronze on floor. Credit: Pipers Vale (Image: Pipers Vale)

Will Banthorpe, the men's head coach at Pipers Vale, said: "Great performance from the team in their first competition of the year, with plenty of positives, new skills completed and a solid base to build on."

Lloyd Clarke, a coach at Pipers Vale, said: "All of the boys competed well and qualified for the British Championships in a few weeks time.

"I am proud of how well they represented Pipers Vale Gymnastics Club."

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In the women's senior championships, Emily Roper finished seventh overall, while competing against world and Olympic team members.

The English vault champion, Emily Roper. Credit: Pipers Vale (Image: Pipers Vale)

Her vault was a cut above the rest in her category, as she was crowned English Champion, and received a personal best score in the uneven bars, which saw her finish sixth.

Mille Howell, who competed in the Espoir Championships for ages 12 and 13, came out with 16th overall, after having missed most of last years competitions due to a broken foot and a broken finger.

Josie Hayes, head women's coach at Pipers Vale, said: "We are very proud of all of the gymnasts and will now get back to training in preparation for the British Championships next month."

Millie Howell had a good tournament back after a broken foot and finger put her out of action last year. Credit: Pipers Vale (Image: Pipers Vale)

nder 18 men - Luca Hammond, Charlie Harvey Lloyd, Daniel Leighton Scott and Edmund Seaborne. (Image: Pipers Vale)