Basildon's swimming starlets dominated the Runnymede Open by winning 69 trophies.

Coach Steve Ham, who is just starting the third year of his five-year development plan for the club, enthused: "It was a wonderful day for us.

The squad is improving much better than predicted, thanks to an excellent teaching and coaching staff.

"We can't wait for the Essex Counties event next month."

Basildon's triumphs began in the year nine age group, where Bonny Maxwell won the freestyle and breaststroke events, as well as finishing second in the fly and backstroke.

Grace Frances was triumphant at backstroke, came second in the freestyle and breaststroke and was third in the flystroke.

Team-mate Sasha won the fly, finished third in the back and was fourth in the freestyle.

As for the boys, James Wright came second in the back and fourth in the free, while Ben Tabard picked up third spots in the breast and free and was fourth in the fly.

Basildon had two champions at age-ten - Bradley Thompson (breast) and Alex Stuart (fly).

Stuart was also third in the breast and fourth in the free.

Runners-up berth in the fly went to Daniel Elliot, who was third in the breast and fourth in the free.

Nicola Frith notched second place in the breast, while Jodie Clark matched that in the free, as well as coming fifth in the fly and sixth in the breast.

The roll of honour in the age-11 section was led by Steve Wright, with victories in the back and free.

Peter Mason won the breast and collected thirds in the fly and free, along with a fourth in the back.

Top spot in the fly went to Justin Young, who was third in the back and fourth in the free.

A pair of second places fell to Tom Haworth in the back and free.

Useful back-up came from Carley Wood, fourth in he fly and fifth in the breast, and Laura Davis, sixth in the breast.

The age-12 challenge was spearheaded by Joe Maxwell, who triumphed in the fly and breast.

Second spots in all four disciplines were claimed by Ian Humphries, with Tom Moth third in the free and back, plus fifth in the breast.

Richard Booth scooped third place in the fly, fourth in the free and sixth in the back.

As for the girls, Michelle Barber won the breast and came second in the free and fly.

A trio of third places went to Rebecca Hockley, in the fly, back and breast events, while she was fourth in the free.

The age-13 section was dominated by Sarah Jones, who won the back and free and was second in the fly and breast.

High and dry - Basildon's swimmers return to land after their lofty achievements

Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

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