SWIMMING: A DEPLETED Sandbach Sharks squad finished fifth in the Peak and Plain Swimming Series annual celebration gala at Maccles-field.

Despite being without many of the best swimmers, who were involved in age group championships, the squad turned in a credible performance against teams with much larger squads.

Leanne Mather grabbed first place in the open individual medley (IM), as did Rachel Havalock (U13 freestyle), Rory Barton (U13 breaststroke), Alex Joines (open backstroke and butterfly) and Jake Davies (U10 free-style).

The boys' open-age relay team, consisting of Tom Bottomley, James Hardwick, Adrian Hood, Joines and Jonathon Armstrong, did the double in freestyle and medley events.

Club spokesman Mark Davies said: 'The team is to be congratulated on their efforts throughout the series and can now look forward to a well-deserved summer break after the Eddie Anderson Memorial Gala in Winsford next month.'

Meanwhile, a trio of former Sandbach Sharks swimmers will appear at the Cheesestring National Age Group Championships in Sheffield next month.

Sarah Goddard, 12, Hannah Mullings, 11, and Samuel Davies, 11, will be lining up against the country's finest at the nationals at Ponds Forge between 30 and August 2.

After learning their skills with the Sharks, they now train with the Stockport Metro. Mr Davies added: 'This is a premier event in the swimming calendar.'

Crewe Flyer Charlotte Rowlands took top spot in the U8 girls backstroke event in the first week of the Age Group Championships at Crewe Pool.

In other backstroke finals for girls, Charlotte Bradbury won the U10 girls gold, Beth Mayor got U12 glory and Abbie Henderson was first in the U14 section.

In the girls individual medley, Rowlands again won the U8 section while Bradbury (U10), Bryony Carragher (U12) and Henderson (U14) also took golds.

In the boys breaststroke finals, winners were Ryan Thorley (U8), James Mitchell (U10), Austin Barton (U12) and Chris Alcock (U14).