The Inaugural Britannia Cup took place in Nottingham, England, on the 11th to 13th January 2020, where 75 teams competed inculding Dumfries and Galloways -Solway Sk8ing Club’s four synchronised skating teams, Solway Stars, Solway Eclipse, Solway Lightning and Solway Comets. There were 13 categories during the three – day competition. Incorporating the British Championship, the British teams were fighting to gain or reclaim national titles and there was a general buzz of excitement in the arena during the entire competition.
Solway Sk8ing Club’s four synchronised skating teams, Solway Stars, Solway Eclipse, Solway Lightning and Solway Comets all travelled down to the competition.
The results were;
Mixed Age category – Solway Eclipse
Team members are as follow; Bethany Campbell, Iona Dillon, Grace Duncan, Heather Gibson, Aidan Kennedy, Ruth Little, Ellie McConnachie, Emily McCourtie, Evie McCubbin, Abbie Milligan, Kyra Milligan(Vice-Captain), Grace Temple, Lauren True (Vice-Captain), Rebecca Wilson (Captain), Chloe Wong, and Eva Wong.
Mixed Age had 8 teams competing from around the UK. In third place was our Solway Eclipse who scored 42.48 points. Performing to a medley from the Man from Uncle soundtrack, they demonstrated excellent skating skills with deep knee bends, so quiet and controlled, the audience was transfixed. The team captured the drama of the CIA agents as they rally to defeat criminal organisations, in this spine-tingling action adventure interpretation.
ISU Basic Novice category – Solway Lightning
Team members are as follow; Iona Dillon, Grace Duncan, Louise Jones, Eva Lake, Mikayla Larisma, Ruth Little, Amy McBurney, Evie McCubbin (Captain), Larissa Maxwell, Sydnee Penny, Jade Sharpe, Lily Simpson (Vice-Captain), Megan Smith, Lauren True (Vice-Captain) and Emma Watson
On Saturday taking first place was our own Solway Lightning who competed for the first time in the ISU Basic Novice Category and came away with the gold medal and British Champions with a score of 24.10. They skated to the Sound of Music with a very smooth, soft programme with lovely flow. Our own team of Maria’s delivered a tuneful and heart-warming routine which had the audience singing along and fully captured the spirit of this classic film.
ISU Junior category – Solway Stars
Team members are as follow; Daisy Dalzell (Vice-Captain), Megan Douglas, Rosie Olivia Edgar, Katie Ferguson, Nicole Ferns, Natalya Gibson, Melissa Goldie, Ellie Jackson, Kennedy Louise Kirk(Captain), Abby Little, Sophie Hannah McBurney, Gemma McQueen, Lauren Robison, Kyra Rutherford, Kasey Sandhu, Laura Smith, Eilidh Thomson, Abbie Turner
Solway Stars competed across the Saturday and Sunday of the Britannia Cup in the very competitive Junior ISU category with teams from all over the world.
Saturday, the Solway Stars skated their short programme to the very sassy “Peter Gunn” by Sarah Vaughan. It was a huge achievement for Solway Stars to be leading British team after short program. Nottingham’s Icicles junior team, whose home training facility is national ice centre, where this event is held. Icicles went into this event having won previous seven consecutive British junior synchro skating Championships. Local team Solway Stars were highest placed British team within in first of the two required performances. The two team’s representative of USA at 2019 world Juniors were present at this competition. USA team Skyliners were 2019 World Junior medallists.
Sunday, the Solway Stars skated their free programme to the mesmerising “OZ the Great and Powerful” original movie soundtrack.
Stars scored their best scores this season to a total of 94.96 overall and placed 8th out of the 9 teams competing in the international competition. They also secured the Silver British Championships medal.
Stars are already working hard to improve their scores at their next competition, the Leon Lurje Trophy in Gothenburg, Sweden which takes place on the 24th -26th January where 49 teams from all over the world will compete in the ISU categories. Stars will skate on the 24th and 25th January.
Beginner – Solway Comets
Team members are as follow; Kayden Knight, Larissa Maxwell, Amy McBurney, Eliza McCourtie (Captain), Darcey McCubbin, Maya Nassar, Holly Robertson, Grace Scotney, Lily Simpson, Chloe Williamson, Faith Learmont and Autumn McCubbin.
In first place was Solway Comets from Dumfries who scored 18.52 points. They skated in pretty, pink dresses to “Winnie the Pooh” a much-loved Disney Classic which is age appropriate for a young developing beginner team, their fun light-hearted interpretations and soft skating was very befitting to the music. Their back to back intersection was very confidently executed. This achieved a GOLD medal returning to Dumfries as British Champions.
All our Solway Synchronised Skating teams would like to express a special thanks to for the grant from the Annandale and Nithsdale Community Benefit Company, our coaching team, synchro officers, team managers and chaperones.
Trophy D’Ecosse 2020 will take place at Dumfries Ice Bowl from the 7th to 9th February 2020. This is an International ISU Synchronised Skating Competition where all Solway Synchronised Skating teams will be competing.
One partner. No competitors. Visible across local sport.
