Team spirit coupled with some outstanding swims ensured Basildon and District Swimming Club returned with the winner's trophy after visiting Braintree to participate in their annual gala.

It was the strength of the younger age groups that helped to build up the winning score with Emma Fernley, Billy Hockley, Sacha Chen, Georgina Lamb, Nicola Frith, Alex Stewart, Phillip Minot, Justin Young and Bonnie Maxwell all scoring a string of victories in the under-10 age group.

Harriete Lamb was the lead swimmer in the under-12 category with a double first in her butterfly and individual medley races.

Her results were complimented by Michelle Barber who recorded a personal best and a victory in the under-12 backstroke.

The girls were joined by Sam Conniford and Jenna Dienn for relay victory.

Jamie Witherington, Joe Maxwell and Stephen Wright shared the individual duties in the boys under-12 age group, where they managed to finish in the top three for every event, they then gained a gutsy second place in the age group relay.

Charlotte Witherington swam a personal best to win the girls' under-14 backstroke and freestyle events.

Yvette Murphy, Nicola Cook and Sarah Jones also came together for yet more relay glory.

It was then the turn of the senior swimmers to bring the victory home for Basildon with wins for David Osborne and Lee Mason.

Confident top three performances from Alex Reed, Bradley Minot, club captain Adele Lamb and ever-present Ellen Millsom saw the new towners run out with a five point advantage over their hosts.

Griffins, of Enfield, were third, just one point behind Braintree.

This latest victory for Basildon caps another fine summer campaign for the club, where it has been represented at the National Championships by Natalie Cook and has also produced Southern Counties Finalists through David Osborne and Ben Conniford.

The club are now looking forward to further honours in the fast-approaching winter season.

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