THE Basingstoke Wolverines Cheerleading Squad held their own at the recent ICC British Open, staged in Nottingham.

They took three squads made up of 45 athletes to what was their second competition of the season.

This was by far the hardest competition they would compete in this season and the standard of their rivals was incredible.

The Wolverines youngest squad, Mystique – comprising of girls aged five to 11, with an average age of nine – competed at Youth Level 1 Small Division and finished fifth out of 12 teams, achieving their weekend goal of no point deductions.

This was another great result for Mystique against the best teams in the country which had long-established squads.

Storm squad made up of girls from 12 years-plus competed at Senior Level 1 Small Division and finished fifth out of six teams.

The girls pulled out a fantastic routine and performance, but the competition was just too good for the squad to place any higher.

Rogue squad, made up of girls up to 14 years of age, competed at Junior Level 2 Small Division and finished in seventh place, out of nine teams.

This was only the second performance from this new squad and they completed a fantastic routine with no point deductions.

The squads always push themselves to compete against the best and this can only make them stronger and better for the future and they are working hard in training to get ready for their next competition in June at Jamfest Europe, Liverpool.

Chloe Pullen, assistant coach at Basingstoke Wolverines, said: “I’m so proud of all three teams this weekend, we attended one of the hardest competitions we’ve ever been to and all three squads held their own and hit their routines.

"With two teams hitting zero deductions, I’m unbelievably proud of all the girls and can’t wait for the next one.”

The Wolverines first competition of the season was at the Legacy Cheer and Dance held at the Copperbox Arena, London.

The Wolverines took three teams to the event with 45 athletes in total and for many of them it was their first ever experience of a competitive competition.

Their youngest squad Mystique comprising of girls aged five to 11 competed at Youth Level 1 Medium and came third, just 1.1 points behind the winners in a very close competition.

The Storm squad made up of girls from 12 years plus competed at Senior Level 1 Large and finished seventh in one of the most competitive divisions of the weekend.

This was a great achievement as the squad was hit by injuries just two days before the competition and had to change the routine in an emergency training session the day before the competition.

The newest squad Rogue made up of girls up to 14 years of age competed at Junior Level 2 Small and finished fourth.

This was a great result as the squad was only formed in September 2015 and a step up from Level 1 for a lot of the girls.

lThe club are pleased to announce the launch of our new Senior Development Squad for athletes aged 12-plus.

The club trains three times a week at Cranbourne Business and Enterprise College on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday with times depending on squads.

New members are always welcome – to book a free taster session or if you would like some more information, contact the club via their website, www.cheerbasingstoke.co.uk or email hello@cheerbasingstoke.co.uk or call 07762 770999.