A SMALL, but determined squad of swimmers from Radcliffe Swimming Club made the trip to Wigan International Pool to compete in the Central Lancashire Inter-Association age group competition and, despite some setbacks, performed remarkably well.

The first session started with a mixture of success and some disappoinment though as a mix-up in the entry card system in the 100m backstroke resulted in Amy Greig having to wait nearly 15 minutes before her race and, consequently, not swimming at her best.

Megan Hughes, in the same event, knocked another six seconds off her best time. However, Amy still made the final and came a very creditable fourth.

In the 100m breaststroke Michael Thomasson qualified for the final with a new best time. He achieved fifth place in the final, again in a new best time.

The next session brought more success without the morning's disappointments. Laura Evans was first off in the 50m breaststroke, recording a very good time in a 50m pool of 38.48, easily winning her age group.

Louis Szymanski qualified for the final of the 50m butterfly with the fastest heat time, but a bad start in the final made him have to work hard to get back in the race. He was still in only fourth place going towards the flags, but a very determined finish took him into second place.

Aaron Greenhalgh, also in the 50m butterfly, recorded a very good heat time to make the final with the fastest heat time. A good start in the final and another excellent swim earned him first place.

The 200m backstroke event again saw Louis in action along with Sam Barrow in his only event of the day. Both swimmers recorded good times, with Louis taking another second place and Sam third.

On the second day of competition Laura Evans and Joanne Long were unfortunately unable to swim in the morning session as they were attending county hockey trials.

Megan Hughes again made another personal best time in the 100m breaststroke. In the 100m freestyle Chris Long, Michael Thomasson, Louis Szymanski, Lee Szymanski and Sam Barrow all recorded good times, but Louis and Michael made it through to the final, placing sixth and fifth respectively.

There was more success for the girls in their 100m freestyle race. Emily Brown was unfortunatenot to qualify for the final despite recording a new personal best time, but Amy Greig, Joanne Long and Sarah Bigg all qualified.

In the final Amy placed fourth with another new best time, Joanne came second with a brilliant finish, also in a new best time, and Sarah was sixth.

In the boys 50m breaststroke Chris Long, Michael Thomasson and Aaron Greenhalgh all swam well, Michael and Aaron making it into the final with Michael sixth and Aaron, again swimming with determination, came first with a good time of 35.68.

Laura Evans set off very fast in her 200m breaststroke, but with good endurance and a determined effort was again able to finish in first place.

In the 200m freestyle, Sam Barrow swam very well, but was unable to gain a place in the top three, but finished in a good time of 2.30.05.

Nine swimmers achieved places in the top six and five swimmers made a top three place.

All swimmers looked much improved and some excellent finishing contributed to a successful weekend.