CIRENCESTER Swimming Club retained the Soundwell Cup for the Cotswold League series after a tense final at Weston-super-Mare on Saturday.

Twenty teams from across the region swam in four qualifying rounds over a period of five months with the top eight, including Cirencester, qualifying for the A final.

The gala was closely fought, with Cirencester only securing their win in the last few races.

It was a fantastic effort by the whole team who showed great spirit and courage as many swimmers had to compete up an age group and in multiple events due to a number of competitors being busy at the regional event in Millfield.

Notable performances included: Simon Crew swimming a five-second personal best in the U15 100m individual medley; a win and a PB from Samson Heywood in the Open 100m freestyle; a win and a PB for Ollie Hodgson in the U11 backstroke and Alfie Beckett swimming in both the U13 and U15 50m butterfly with a faster time in his second race.

The U15 squad carried two 12-year-olds, Joshua Maggs and Kieron Courtney, who both put up fine performances.

Nigel Masters, Cirencester’s chief coach said: “This was a really good gala which went pretty much down to the wire, but our emphasis on race skills over the last few weeks paid dividends at the end.

“It was a great team effort and thank you to all our coaches, parent helpers and volunteers who ran the event.”

FINAL RESULTS: 1, Cirencester 270; 2, Cheddar 254; 3, Cinderford 230; 4, Bishopsworth 225; 5, Clevedon 217; 6, Bristol Penguins 216, 7, Wellington 212; 8, Bristol Henleaze 196.