Clubs from across Suffolk came together at Crown Pools in Ipswich this month for the final of the Suffolk Amateur Swimming Association Winter League.

In a departure from previous years, and earlier rounds, the final on Saturday, January 14 was held at one location instead of two events being run simultaneously at different pools.

It follows a successful trial of this format in the 2016 Summer League.

An exciting afternoon of racing saw Newmarket and District SC crowned champions after amassing 25 event wins from 43 races to go with their results from the first two rounds. Among the victories were seven of the eight relays held on the day.

Newmarket also had the top scoring boys’ squad over the course of the league season.

To add to the team success swimmers including Maeve Pooley, Tess Wesley, Joseph Bavey and Harry Saunders swam a total of 15 personal best times in a variety of events.

The club’s head coach Annette Skeet said: “Words cannot describe my feelings tonight: Euphoric, proud, they just keep coming.

“I am so very proud of all our swimmers, not only those that swam tonight but all those who helped our great club lift not only the top team trophy but also the top boys’ trophy from the combination of all three rounds.”

Also tasting success on the night was Deben SC, which picked up the award for the top girls’ team.

The club finished third in the overall standings and also third in the boys’ team table, with both of their ‘joker’ swimmers Lewis Moore and Minnie Wayman (who score double points in one event) picking up maximum scores.

Taking second place in the league was West Suffolk SC.

The trophies were presented by Suffolk ASA president Sarah Elmer at the end of the gala.

Winter League final table

Team Girls Boys Team

Newmarket 551 600 1246

West Suffolk 519 555 1160

Deben 561 491 1124

Felixstowe 509 419 982

Stowmarket 427 437 913

L&OB Blue 435 400 889

Beccles 361 433 849

Leiston 392 389 844

L&OB Yellow 263 238 530

Mildenhall 134 176 320

Halstead 110 126 247