In the British compulsory level four regional competition for nine-year-olds, five South Essex gymnasts competed with huge success.

Clean sweep - for the level four gymnasts from Basildon's South Essex Club (left to right): Nancy Epsley, Samantha Mitchell, Sophie Fitzgerald, Deanne Morrison and Sarah Scott Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

Not only did all five pass the level with distinction -- over 80 per cent -- but they also took the first four places of an exciting competition.

Sophie Fitzgerald won the gold medal with an exceptional score of 46.475 and was also top scorer on each piece of apparatus (vault, bars, beam, floor and range and conditioning).

Samantha Mitchell won the silver medal and Nancy Epsley claimed the bronze medal with outstanding scores of 45.175 and 45.10 respectively.

Sarah Scott was close behind in fourth place with 44.975 and, along with the medal winners, will be representing the east region in the national finals at Guildford in May.

Published Friday April 9, 2004

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