Witney took runners-up slot in the inter-club friendly gala at Aylesbury's Aquavale Pool.

In a ding-dong contest with St Albans, Witney were always challenging the leaders, but could not maintain their impetus into the closing stages.

Francois Clavaud stormed to a personal best in the 16 and under boys' butterfly and took the swimmer-of-the- match award.

The runner-up votes were shared equally between Leah Gorman, winner of the girls' 14 and under breaststroke and Matthew Whiteley, who took the boys' 16 and under freestyle.

Other Witney first places came from Isabel Macdonald (backstroke), Naomi Gill, Rachel Walton (both butterefly), Teale Ashton (freestyle) and Hannah Barrett (breaststroke).

Personal bests were also achieved by Kate Herbert, Tanja Wolf, Rosie Cable, Ella Gorman, Billie Cox, Peter Kemp, Lewis Ashton, Jonathan Everett, Ashley Moss, David Hyde, Mark Kemp, Peter Hyde, Chris Hill and Martin Lambe.

Gala result: St Albans 234, Witney 213, Aylesbury 209, St Neots 186, Bushey 120, Letchworth 88. SWIMMING