NEWTON Hall Amateur Swimming Club has, for the fifth time in succession, won the Lancashire Swimming League Championships by winning their latest gala last weekend (June 26/27).

At the first ever gala to be held at Moor Park, a spirited fight by Chorley and Lancaster was not enough to see off a strong Newton Hall team.

Individual wins by Karen Skelly, Jolly Jones, Janette Rogerson and Andrew Hodgson (twice) for the 12-year-old age group, along with Nicola Butterworth, Leanne Howe and Richard Mineur for the U14s age group and the unbeatable Lisa How (twice) for the open ladies saw Newton Hall maintain a comfortable lead throughout the gala.

With seven relay wins out of 13 relay events the final result of Newton Hall 120 points, Chorley 107 and Lancaster 73 was never in doubt.

On Sunday the same team took on Preston and Carnforth at St Annes Pool.

With some very close races, Newton Hall kept the edge in the early stages.

Individual wins by Andrew Hodgson (twice) Leanne Howe (twice), Janette Rogerson, Oliver Roberts, Lisa How (twice), Mark McCartney, along with 10 out of 13 relay events saw Newton Hall as comfortable winners by 126 points to Preston's 103 and Carnforth's 66.

With only one more gala to swim, Newton Hall cannot be topped in the league.

This is now the fifth year in succession the trophy has gone to Newton Hall, making the club currently the most successful in the region. To cap a great weekend, the Micro Rays (B team) 9 to 12-year-olds won at Fleetwood in a very close encounter with Garstang, Preston and Great Harwood.

Individual wins by Rachael Bird, Dominic Docherty, Sarah Hindle and Emma Fletcher (twice) plus seven relay wins saw Newton Hall eventual winners with 118 points, Preston 112, Garstang 110 and Great Harwood 75.

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