ONCE again Droitwich Dolphins' young swimmers showed their strength in the second round of the prestigious Nuneaton League for children aged 12 and under.

Droitwich were narrowly beaten into second place by Wombourne, but gave a gutsy display and showed promise for the future.

Hayley Williams had easy victories in the 12 years backstroke and freestyle events, finishing several seconds clear of her nearest rivals.

Sam Fowles, swimming in the same age group, was equally impressive in his two lengths breaststroke to take first place.

Both the 12 year girls (Hayley Williams, Charlotte Earl, Victoria Barratt, Fiona Watt) and the boys (Simon Roberts, Sam Fowles, David Fisher and Jonathan Todd) were successful in the four by one length freestyle relays.

In the girls' nine years freestyle relay event, Lydia Williams, Emma Houlston, Helena Long and Zoe Cottell all swam well to take first place.

They also came second in the medley relay. This is the first time this season that this age group have been able to field a full relay team and provide valuable points.

The ten year girls medley relay of Alexis Collier, Danielle Morrison, Felicity Hunter and Amelia Lui were also in commanding form to win their race. The girls cannon of eight lengths freestyle was also a clear victory.

Although the boys had less individual wins, there were second places for Sam Fowles (backstroke), Simon Roberts (butterfly) and David Fisher (freestyle) in the 12 year age group.

Jonathan Todd was second in the 11 years backstroke. The four boys teamed up to take second place in the 12 years freestyle relay. Ben Bower was second in the ten years backstroke.

Several of the girls also managed second places in individual events: Alexis Collier (freestyle), Danielle Morrison (butterfly) and Amelia Lui (backstroke) in the ten year age group. Fiona Watt (butterfly) and Victoria Barratt (freestyle) were both second in the 11 year age group.