WINSFORD’S swimmers prepared for the forthcoming Cheshire Championships by winning the opening Crusader League gala of the year on Saturday.

A young team, including under-10s competing for the first time, recorded 35 first places in a Division One meet held at Winsford Lifestyle Centre.

“I wanted to give them a challenge of racing against bigger and older opposition,” said head coach Dan Goodwin.

“The result was emphatic – there were fantastic performances across the team.

“It should give them confidence going into the county championships.”

Result

Crusader League:

Div One, Sat: 1. Winsford 295pts; 2. Leek 216; 3. Stoke 196; 4. Crewe 195.