Sport
26 February, 2026
Start returns from meet with Richardson Trophy
Ten Piranhas swimmers took to the pool and produced an outstanding overall performance, finishing the meet with twelve first places, five seconds and two thirds.
THE final swim meet of the season before the highly anticipated Grand Final was held in Ararat on Saturday with the Stingray Open Classic providing a powerful finish for the St Arnaud Piranhas.
Ten Piranhas swimmers took to the pool and produced an outstanding overall performance, finishing the meet with twelve first places, five seconds and two thirds.
Heidi Start was awarded the Simpson Personnel Perpetual Trophy, while Austin Lowe claimed the Robertson Perpetual Trophy, with both earning honours as the highest individual aggregate scorers for District 12 swimmers aged 16–29 years.
Harper Boyle competed in two events, with it terrific to see her back in the water after returning to competition at her first meet just the week prior.
Leanne Burke enjoyed a strong showing across four events, claiming two first places and two seconds. Riley Burke competed in two events and secured a second-place finish.
Heidi Start was in exceptional form, competing in seven events and winning six first places along with a third. Austin Lowe also returned a perfect day, contesting four events for four firsts.
Edward Sanderson competed in two events, while William Sanderson raced in three, both gaining valuable experience and contributing strongly to the team’s effort.
Stacey Taylor competed in two events and recorded a third-place finish. Milla Taylor-Rogers contested four events, earning a second place and producing a standout swim in her 100-metre breaststroke, where she posted a personal best by an impressive 8.09 seconds.
Eva Taylor-Rogers competed in her first-ever swim meet — a special milestone for the young swimmer. She joined Harper Boyle, Edward Sanderson and William Sanderson in the 11-and-under freestyle relay, marking a promising start to her competitive journey.
The relays capped off a successful day, with the Mixed Open Freestyle team of Heidi Start, Riley Burke, Leanne Burke and Austin Lowe finishing first, while the Mixed Open Medley quartet of Austin Lowe, Milla Taylor-Rogers, Heidi Start and Stacey Taylor placed second.
The Stingray Open Classic now concludes the regular season for the Piranhas, who will now turn their attention to the Grand Final of swimming — the District 12 Wimmera Championships — in Horsham on March 14.
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