AMERSHAM Swimming Club coped with the pressure of being the team everyone wanted to beat as they began the defence of their Thames Valley League title with a win in Newbury.
As champions for two years running, their 9-12 year olds had a lot to live up to with Windsor, Newbury and hot-favourites Maidenhead Marlins all hoping to snatch their crown from them this time around.
However, the 12-year girls medley relay team touched the wall first in the opening race to give Amersham a flying start, and they never relinquished their lead throughout the meet.
Top three finishes in each of the next 15 events consolidated that start and by the end they were runaway winners on 218 points with Marlins second back on 187.
That performance continued the form shown the previous week at the Black Swan Gala, when they were named top visiting club after scooping 39 golds, 28 silvers and 32 bronzes.
Top Girl awards went to Ceara Barber, 9, Georgina Bradley, 11, Korrie Ford, 12, and Sophie Bradley, 13, with Ellis Morgan, 9, David Mullally, 12, Ross Calder, 13, and Mack Tate named Top Boys.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here