ON Saturday at Lowestoft in the first round of the Suffolk Winter League Great Yarmouth Swimming Club came second.Scores: Deben 168, Great Yarmouth 149, Stowmarket 128, Beccles 118.

ON Saturday at Lowestoft in the first round of the Suffolk Winter League Great Yarmouth Swimming Club came second.

Scores: Deben 168, Great Yarmouth 149, Stowmarket 128, Beccles 118.

All races except the fly 100m were over 200m, a rare distance in team galas, so here was a chance to get some experience over the longer distance.

Laura Loveland came up first for the 12/U with a controlled swim in the breaststroke, and Paige Lovage won the fly with an excellent time of 1:29. Aderlaide Loveland got a second in the freestyle.

The reliable Jack Utting and Isaac Kirby won their races with ease, Jack winning the backstroke and IM and Isaac the fly. Declan Scott, try as he might, could not catch the Deben swimmer but this was a good second place for him.

The 14/U girls were up against a very strong Deben team and although fighting hard for that first place could only gain second places - Zoe Prettyman freestyle, Ellie Holden backstroke, Catherine Lee fly and Kelly Pyewell breaststroke and IM.

The boys found it as equally tough, but Keelan Pyewell in his relaxed style got a second in breaststroke. Daniel Henderson improving every week also got a second with new personal best time of 2:40.

With Stowmarket chasing, points were needed and the open girls responded with Shanise Webster winning the breaststroke, and second places from Grace Hubbard freestyle, Charlie Smith backstroke and a new personal best in the IM.

The open boys struggled, but a determined swim from Andrew Moore saw a second place in breaststroke with a new personal best time. Spirited swims from Tom Smith could only bring third places freestyle and fly.

Tomorrow sees the second of the age group championships, Phoenix Pool 6.45pm start.

There are places for swimmers at the club, ring Nigel on 01493 377906.