After a typical show of determination, Wisbech Swimming Club finished a creditable fourth in the first round of the National Arena League earlier this month.

Hosting at its Hudson Centre home, the club welcomed Lowestoft & Oulton Broad, Biggleswade, UEA City of Norwich ‘B’ and Dereham Otters to a competition that turned out to be among the most thrilling of the year.

Lowestoft & Oulton Broad came out on top with 158 points, closely followed by Biggleswade on 154 and Norwich on 152.

Wisbech, which managed to hold on to third place for several events mid-gala, finished a brave fourth on 131 points, fending off Dereham on 125.

The hosts recorded 15 new personal best times on their way to five event wins, 12 seconds and 11 thirds. Victories on the night went to the boys’ 9-11 year freestyle relay team of Harry Smith, Henry Leach, Zach Peggs and Joe Whittaker; Joe Whittaker (10-11 years 50m backstroke); Jacob Rhodes (Open 100m butterfly); Sam Smith (13/U 100m backstroke); and Beth Dennis (15/U 100m breaststroke).