After having notched up a total of 39 personal best performances in their two previous meets, it may have been greedy to expect Selby Tiger Sharks' 'B' Grade squad to continue at such a heady rate of progress.

Yet, a seven-strong team improved on 12 best times during the second of the three-meet Yorkshire Grand Prix series at Harrogate's Hydro.

The gala attracted entries from 20 clubs from across the North of England and a good crowd.

Selby's Jack Welburn continued his prolific run of form in the 11/12-year-old age group. With a time two seconds inside his previous best, Welburn scooped silver in the 50m backstroke, bringing his medal tally in his last three meets to two gold, one silver and two bronze. Another best time followed in the 50m breaststroke.

Leanne Adamson, the senior Tiger Shark in the Grand Prix series, took six top-eight placings from seven events, including fourth in the 200m breaststroke.

Kristian Stafford completed a nine-event programme with two top-eight finishes and three pbs, registering a five-second improvement in the 100m backstroke.

With the officials following the race rules to the letter, there were some glum expressions on the faces of swimmers and coaches from many clubs, as a steady stream of disqualifications ensued.

Having already reduced his best time in the 50m backstroke by over six seconds, Tiger Sharks debutant Luke Kitson (11) fell foul of the starter when he took a flier in the 50m breaststroke.

However, Andrew Taylor, who followed Kitson in, escaped punishment.

So, while Kitson watched from the sidelines, Taylor took to the blocks again to win the heat with a pb.

Unperturbed by his brush with the one-start rule, Kitson returned on day two to wipe almost four seconds off his entry time in the 50m freestyle.

Megan Flanagan (12) made significant improvements on her times at 100m individual medley and 100m backstroke.

Also gaining valuable experience was ten-year-old Olivia Telfer, who swam well in her first competitive outing over the middle distance in the 200m freestyle.

The Grand Prix series culminates next month when the City of Leeds club hosts the final meet, over the long-course at the International Pool.

New Earswick swimmer Lucy Gould tasted success at the Hydro with gold in the 15&over 100m backstroke and bronze in the 100m individual medley.

Gould also collected a trophy in all three breaststroke races, with a silver in the 100m and fourth in both the 50m and 200m events.

Gould's younger sister Stephanie competed at Ponds Forge in Retfords Graded Meetand won silver in the 13yrs 100m backstroke, and swam three pbs, while ten-year old Yvette Shaw improved on her 50m butterfly time by four seconds.

Updated: 09:54 Thursday, June 26, 2003