Wisbech Swimming Club added more medals to their even-increasing tally thanks to success at three regional events.

After a fruitful County Championships, the local swimmers began the new season of the Anglian League on March 4, before taking to the water for the opening round of the Junior Fenland League the following week.

Wisbech finished the five-day county event with three silver medals – two for Joe Whittaker and one for Ben Knowles, and six bronze thanks to Beth Dennis (two), Ben Knowles (two), Joe Whittaker and Alex Gallagher.

Between them, 11 swimmers (Beth Dennis, Sam Smith, Ben Knowles, Jacob Rhodes, Mary O’Neill, Alex Gallagher, Joe Whittaker, Esme Gilbert, Harry Smith, Alice Dennis and Molly Hewitt) made 18 finals, with Beth Dennis placing highest in third.

A good performance in the Anglian League gala saw Wisbech finish second on 130 points, trailing Boston ‘A’ on 144 and ahead of West Norfolk on 126.

Thirteen swimmers managed new personal best times in 30 races, and Louisa Rowell (13/U 100m individual medley), Charlie Bourne (15/U 100m freestyle), Jacob Rhodes (Open 50m freestyle), Ellen Williams (Open 50m freestyle), Ben Knowles (15/U 100m backstroke) and Joe Tierney (13/U 100m breaststroke) were all victorious.

Wisbech made a strong start to its Junior Fenland League campaign at Newmarket when Connor Loughlin swam to a convincing win in the 12/U 100m IM.

His was the first of 16 wins in 45 events, including a scintillating performance by the 8x25m Squadron relay team. Thirteen swimmers won individual events, Loughlin (adding the 12/U 50m breaststroke) and George Milton (9yrs 25m butterfly and 50m breaststroke) each taking two victories.

Wisbech finished on 166 points, with City of Peterborough ‘A’ on 141 and City of Ely third on 135.

The town’s swimmers are back in action for Round 2 of the Junior Fenland League at Peterborough on April 22.

And finally, Lucy Ryan has been ranked fourth in the world rankings after her 200m breaststroke performance in the 40-44 years category at last year’s European Championships.

Her 100m swim in the same stroke was good enough for 10th place.