Lincoln Vulcans retain Lincs League Trophy with excellent showing at Yarborough

Lincoln Vulcans successfully defended their Lincs League trophy at Yarborough, fighting off a strong challenge from Cleethorpes and Scunthorpe teams.

As many of the club's top swimmers were preparing for the National Championships, the final round presented an opportunity for other swimmers to show their strength.

With strong teams from Louth, South Lincs and Grantham all vying for top spot, the Vulcan swimmers were pushed hard throughout the evening but managed to record an excellent 23 wins out of 48 races with a further 16 second-place or third-place finishes.

Assistant age group coach Jude Stephenson-Ganner was particularly pleased with the strength showed by the younger girls in the team, with Tara Haworth, Abigail Burr, Lucy Porter, Molly Jones and Ellie Pickles all delivering excellent performances and showing great promise for the future.

Victories from established performers such as Molly Temple, Alex Simmons, Hayley Williams, Sean Westerman, Sarah Fountain and Lewis Farren were backed up by up-and-coming youngsters, such as James Penford who took first place in the 10-years 50m breaststroke.

The evening finished with a terrific final relay from the 12 and under girls.

Lucy Porter was asked to take the opening backstroke leg.

A great swim saw her record a personal best time and Molly Jones kept the pressure on the leading swimmer throughout the breaststroke leg.

Taking to the water in second place, Abigail Burr produced a superb butterfly leg to put the Vulcans in the lead.

Ellie Pickles then stormed to victory with a final 50m freestyle.

The victory capped a great evening's swimming from the team who finished 37 points ahead of CASA Red.

The Vulcans B team swam at Scunthorpe and produced a number of terrific performances with 16 wins and 11 second place finishes to further demonstrate the club's strength and depth.