Date: Saturday 26th January 2013 - Sunday 27th January 2013 at Medway Park, Gillingham
Entries close: TBC
Entry ages: 4 years +
The South East Gala saw the Cangaroos journey down to Gillingham for Luis, Ali and Matt's first gala of 2013 of the season. With Tony coaching and Andrew judging national season is well and truly open.
After a hearty (if long waited) feast at the noodle bar with usual teasing of Andrew and observing the booming voice of Tony fade away to a whisper, we hit the proverbial hay for some much needed rest.
The day started at 9am as Luis was on first in the excessively green sports hall. Luis soared into the air with some massive TOF on his two set routines placing him 5th after the first flight narrowly missing qualifying to national finals.
At 10am it was the second flight and Ali's turn. The marks were spread but good as Ali staked his claim to make nationals. Two solid runs of his new set routine placed him 7th and ensured qualification but alas pushing Luis to 9th. The final round was another good routine and Ali jumped up to 6th and his spot in Nat C secure but missing FIG B by 0.09!
Next up was Matthew. His dad (Simon) ensured he arrived with plenty of time but some might say 2 hours was a little excessive - he blames his wife, Sarah. After a long wait and a late starting panel Matt flew through his two routines and after his vol sat in 5th having secured national finals qualification. The final round of the group saw Matt perform well but was out-tarifed by the other competitors to finish 8th.
Andrew's continued judging means the next gala will see him chair a panel on his route to international judge.
With two national qualifiers our next gala is Bath in February and we hope to get some FIG Bs!