WINSFORD’S swimmers further enhanced the club’s reputation during their debut at a regional final, according to head coach Dave Pettengell.

He said the team’s achievement in reaching the National Arena League North West Premier Division showpiece for the first time is one to be proud of.

“It’s put us on the map as a forced to be reckoned with,” he added.

“Competing against the biggest and best clubs from across the region was always going to be a challenge, but each and every swimmer came out fighting.”

Ashley Hogg was second in the under 15s boys’ 100m butterfly race, timing 58.75s. He repeated the trick in a freestyle sprint over the same distance, clocking 56.21s.

Another highlight was Ethan Jones’ third place finish in the under 11s boys’ 50 backstroke, while Adam Blackshaw claimed fourth position in the under 13s boys’ 100m butterfly at Manchester Aquatic Centre.

He clocked 1:10.58.

Winsford’s under 15s boys’ 4x50m medley relay team was third fastest in their race too.

Pettengell said: “Most of our swimmers had to compete in multiple races, but in true Winsford style they swam through the tiredness to be the best that they could.

“Team work is an essential part of any successful club, and that certainly shone through.”

Winsford finished eighth overall, with City of Salford – third last year – claiming the Premier Division title.

Neighbours Northwich, promoted from the Minor Division at the end of last year, claimed a creditable fifth place in Division Two’s top final at Horwich.

Result
National Arena League
North West Premier Division A final, Manchester:
1. City of Salford 292pts; 2. Preston 273; 3. City of Liverpool 261; 4. Stockport Metro 260; 5. Ellesmere College Titans 238; 6. Warriors of Warrington 186; 7. Cockermouth 180; 8. Winsford 108.

Division Two top final, Horwich: 1. Isle of Man 240pts; 2. Trafford Metro 233; 3. Oswestry Otters 163; 4. Fleetwood 141; 5. Northwich 138; 6. Clitheroe 130.