The Canvey Swimming Club success story continued this week when the Islanders splashed to victory in the Second Division of the Essex Winter League.

After putting on a solid performance in the opening three rounds Canvey qualified for the overall league final after remaining unbeaten against strong opposition from Redbridge, Newham, Harwich and Hornchurch.

The grand final was held in Colchester and Canvey left the best until last, emerging triumphant by a massive 54 point margin, which left coach Will Brogan all smiles.

"Three years ago Canvey couldn't put a team out for any league or cup competition," he beamed.

"But now both the swimmers and coaching staff have shown they are capable of taking this club to new heights.

"The swimmers deserve their success for all the hard work and the dedication they show in training, week in, and week out."

In the youngest age group, Nadia Ray, Cassie Williams, Hannah Sinfield and Sammy Ace combined to win both their relays, with Sammy and Cassie both securing first and second places in their individual events.

In the boys age groups, Robert Worthington and Alex Davis came out on top in the breaststroke and freestyle races.

The boys under-13 team narrowly missed out on a clean sweep of victories as Scott Tagney (breaststroke), Paul Williams (backstroke) and Matt Brown (butterfly) sealed first places, but Steven Sullivan was just pipped for second in the freestyle.

In the under-13 girls events Emma Tout took first and second place in the freestyle and butterfly. Stacey O'Kawe, Katherine Brown, Amanda Peters and Lauren Sinfield won the medley relay.

Their was success for both boys and girls in the under-15 competition - with Adam Puddick winning the backstroke and freestyle event and Mandy Tout coming first in her butterfly heat.

Finally, the open age groups brought victories for Brogan (freestyle and backstroke), Tony Campbell (butterfly), Andrew Adams (breaststroke) and Anna Chennery (freestyle and backstroke).

Splash hits - Canvey show off their new trophy

Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

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