Bexley Swimming Club's under -18 squad finished second in the Kent Mini League Divison Championship.

The club went into the final round equal second with Canterbury and RTW Monson.

Club coach Tony Ross said that everyone had to raise their expectation levels and they did.

The club's former mascot, Zigger Zagger, returned after a 15-year absence for the final gala and his appearance seemed to inspire the Bexley squad to finish ahead of their two second-place challengers and secure the runners-up spot behind Beckenham's championship winning squad in the overall standings.

Ross said: "It was a thoroughly magnificent effort considering that Bexley only gained promotion to the first divison last season.

"We are a club moving in the right direction."

Meanwhile, the club will go into the final round of the Speedo League South East Division One on Saturday with a big chance of promotion to the Premier League after another fine display in the latest round at Swanley.

Out of the 50 events, Bexley's swimmers won 19 individual and 12 relay events as well as 12 second places.

Individual wins came from Jack Legon, Matthew Shead, Jade Barclay, Chris Scott and Emma Saunders, who all won two races, plus one apiece from Josh Lawless, Robert Shead, Kelsey McCue, Jodie Cousins, Robert Saunders, Richard James, Rachel Helesden, Katy Howes and Nicola Brand.

The relay wins were achieved by the 11-year boys' freestyle and medley; 11-year girls' freestyle and medley; 13-year boys' freestyle and medley, 13-year girls' freestyle; 15-year boys' freestyle and the open ladies' freestyle and medley.

Victory or second place on Saturday will guarantee Bexley a place in next season's Premier League when they will be competing against the best clubs in the south of England.

If you are interested in joining Bexley SC, which has an excellent youth development programme, call chief coach Ton Ross on 01322 347860.

November 27, 2001 12:35