Witney successfully defended the Oxford Challenge Cup at Temple Cowley, Oxford, on Saturday.

Although there were no time restrictions in the relays, it was Witney's efforts in the individual time-banded events, where they were placed first and second in more than half of the 32 races, which provided the springboard for success

An excellent breaststroke swim and determined efforts in her relays earned Katie Hamilton the swimmer-of-the-match award with the runner-up vote shared by Claire Hughes and Thomas Brooke-Hollidge.

City of Oxford's A team netted a total of 11 swims that were too fast for this graded gala and had to settle for second place.

City A winners included Edward Lofts in the boys' 12 and under 50m butterfly and Daniel Bull in the 14 and under 100m butterfly.

Tom Lofts and Nick Evans won the 16 and under 100m backstroke and breaststroke respectively.

**Oxford Challenge Cup : Witney 206; City of Oxford A 184; Linslade Crusaders 173.5; City of Oxford B 156.5; Thornbury 114; Staines 106.

**Some 16 City of Oxford swimmers provided the backbone of a depleted Oxon & North Bucks side competing in the Inter-County Gala at Wolverhampton for the Ron Hooper Trophy

Pride of place went to City's 11-year-old Jon Kim who gained one of only three first places achieved by ONB swimmers. He won the 50m butterfly with an impressive 34.05secs.

Team captains Stacey Bailles and Graham Cable both from Witney, achieved third places in their respective 100m breaststroke events.

The ONB team ended up fourth behind Nottinghamshire.

**Gala result: 1 Notts 329 points, 2 Staffordshire 308, 3 Leics 251, 4 Oxon & N Bucks 232, 5 Worcs 215, 6 N Wales 142, 7 Shropshire 131, 8 Gloucs 105.