Top grade

Two Richard s Trampoline Club team-mates reversed their earlier fortunes at the latest national grade one elite event in Southend. Elliot Stratton in the under-19 event had achieved the desired retaining mark and Michael Dodson crashed out in the openin

Two Richard's Trampoline Club team-mates reversed their earlier fortunes at the latest national grade one elite event in Southend.

Elliot Stratton in the under-19 event had achieved the desired 'retaining' mark and Michael Dodson crashed out in the opening event of the season in Hull.

This time it was Stratton who was disappointed after a poor set routine.

Two good voluntary routines were some compensation and competitors falling like flies resulted in a useful fourth place. But the middle part of that set routine needs improvement.

Dodson, in the under-17 event, had a sound set to lie third after the first round. He then produced two of the top three voluntary routines of the day to close in second place and within a whisker of the winner.

His scores easily qualified him for the national championships in Birmingham in July.

Dodson's older brother Philip, who competes for the Brentwood-based Team Trampoline Promotions, was in the second of three trials for the British team for the European Championships in Metz, France, next month.

Although he just missed selection for the Europeans, he has a good chance of going to Metz in the allied double mini trampoline event.