SWIMMING: Oxford University sealed an impressive victory in their Varsity Cross-Channel varsity relay race - in more ways than one.

The bi-annual event, which started in 1998, was brought forward this week because of the perfect conditions in the English Channel.

And despite a poor start, the six-strong side made up of three women and three men, produced a race to remember.

Trailing Cambridge by 200 yards after the first leg, Oxford's Clare Kane produced a stunning performance to claw back the deficit and give the Dark Blues the lead.

They held onto their advantage going into the final leg, which saw Rahul Bachuta take to the water.

Bachuta pulled further clear, but 100 yards from the finish in France, found himself swimming alongside a seal!

However, he did not let the animal distract him and led Oxford to a 20-minute winning distance.

Ian Osband, Joe Grutwell, Gina Gosney and Naomi Hopwood made up the Oxford team.

Witney retained their hold on the Aldertons Newsagents Trophy following an exciting finish to the gala at Aylesbury.

Ten-year-old Jenna Parry produced an eye-catching performance in her 50m butterfly to take the swimmer-of-the-match award. The runner-up votes were shared between Guy Walker (winner of the boys' 10 & under butterfly) and Elliot Jozwin for a super swim in the boys' 14 & under backstroke.

Result: 1 Witney 232pts, 2 Leighton Buzzard 229, 3 Rushden 215, 4 Aylesbury 200, 5 Dunstable 183, 6 Henley 149, 7 Putteridge 112.

Other Witney winners: M Wilmshurst (breaststroke), H Foggett (butterfly), A Whiteley (freestyle), S Tanner (freestyle), K Weaving (breaststroke), A Headley (breaststroke), H Blackford (freestyle), P Bennett (butterfly), and S Webster (freestyle).

Personal bests: H Brooke- Little (butterfly), G Kendall (bk/s), J Kendall (breaststroke), R Prosser (freestyle), H Hall (breaststroke).