HOSTS Colchester Swimming Club sealed runners-up spot as their Essex Mini League opener went down to the wire.

They finished just behind winners Basildon at Colchester Leisure World, with Canvey Island, Hornchurch and Saffron Seals also competing.

Colchester clocked up 163 points, just 13 points behind Basildon.

Colchester SC team manager Emma Jordan said: “There were a number of great swims.

"Amy and Mark Milburn were both on fire and it was lovely to see Niamh Higgins break the 40-second barrier in the last breaststroke race of the night with a great PB (personal best).

“The Mini League provides the ideal development opportunity for swimmers to represent their club throughout the season.

"As a team event it is a great way for some of the club’s youngest swimmers to get their first taste of competition.”

Colchester started well, with Sadie Rowe and Isaac Farrugia both coming second in the 50m backstroke.

However, it was the boys' nine years 4x1 Medley Relay team, featuring Logan McCrae (competing in his first gala), Elliot Whitehouse, Harrison Brook and Alex Cottrell that saw the hosts record their opening victory of the night.

Josh Bleck (boys' ten and under backstroke 50m), Mark Milburn (boys' 13 and under freestyle 100m) and Harrison Brook (boys' ten and under breaststroke 50m) ensured the first places continued.

Brook's performance was even more incredible as he was competing in the ten-year age group, despite being still being nine years old.

There was further success in the relays, underlining the tremendous team spirit that has developed at the club.

First place was secured in both the girls and boys Open 4x2x1 freestyle relay, the girls' nine years 4x1 freestyle relay (including Gabby Troman who was competing in her first gala), both the girls and boys 6x1 breaststroke relay (9yrs, 10&U, 11&U, 13&U, 2 x Open), the boys' ten and under 4x1 freestyle relay and both the girls' and boys' 13 and under 4x1 freestyle relay.

There were a number of fantastic individual displays which included Daisy Himsworth (girls' 10&U freestyle 50m), Olivia Vinter (girls' 11&U freestyle 50m), Joseph Guild (boys' Open backstroke 50m) and Antonio Girolami (boys' 13&U breaststroke 50m) who all recorded PBs and maximum points.

Felix Szpakowski (boys' 13&U backstroke 50m), Lauren Himsworth (girls' Open freestyle 100m) and Kalaum Corani (boys' Open freestyle 100m), who all swam brilliantly to win their respective events.

They were backed up superbly by Massimo Girolami (boys' 10&U butterfly 25m) and Henry Proud (boys' 11&U butterfly 50m).

The night came to a fitting close with Colchester victorious in the Mixed Squad 10x1 Free Relay (boys' and girls' 9, 10, 11, 13, Open) which saw Gabby Cornish, Elliot Whitehouse, Sadie Rowe, Isaac Farrugia, Amy Johnson (who was returning from injury), Henry Proud, Georgia Bleck, Felix Szpakowski, Niamh Higgins and Isaac Pavey finish the night in style.

A huge thank you to all the swimmers and helpers who ensured our home meet was such a success.

The Colchester SC squad featured: Emi Bilton, Georgia Bleck, Josh Bleck, Harrison Brook, Allanah Brosnan, Kalaum Corani, Gabby Cornish, Keziah Cornish, Alex Cottrell, Isaac Farrugia, Antonio Girolami, Massimo Girolami, Joseph Guild, Niamh Higgins, Daisy Himsworth, Lauren Himsworth, Amy Johnson, Anola Jordan, Eoin Ledwidge, Holly McCarthy, Jack McCarthy, Logan McCrae, Suri McCrae, Amy Milburn, Mark Milburn, Isaac Pavey, Henry Proud, Sadie Rowe, Alfie Smart, Felix Szpakowski, Gabby Troman, Anjali Tuckwell, Nuha Van Der Schyff, Olivia Vinter and Elliot Whitehouse.