PERSHORE faced off with the county's biggest swimming clubs in the Worcester Winter League 'A' final in Droitwich.

After a string of strong displays in the earlier rounds, fifth-placed Pershore's tally of 118 points was behind winners Worcester (187), Redditch (176), Stourbridge (164) and Halesowen (153).

But the town's 11 and under competitors shone and started well with a clear victory in the mixed 6x25-metre medley relay.

After the backstroke, Naomi Marsden handed over the lead to William Gearey and Isabella Woodcock for breaststroke legs.

Simon Sweatman extended the advantage in the butterfly before freestyle swimmers Megan Annis and Patrick Heeks brought Pershore home nearly a length ahead of Worcester.

Pershore had a series of fifth places in the older age groups through Hope Rochelle in the girls' 15/u 100m freestyle and Michael Evans in the boys' equivalent.

Amy Weston, did well in the 13/u 100m backstroke, while Josh Lane went slightly quicker.

Katie Sharratt tackled the open 100m butterfly and Angus Jones the men’s event.

Annis then produced a personal best in the girls' 11/u 50m freestyle to claim third place.

Sweatman produced Pershore’s second win with a dominant 29.39 seconds in the 11/u 50m freestyle.

He also won the 50m backstroke in 35.03, while Marsden was just edged into third in the girls' 11/u 50m backstroke.

Marsden was third in the 50m butterfly as well to secure invaluable points.

Gearey won the boys' 11/u 50m butterfly and breaststroke with new pbs of 33.55 and 40.56 respectively.

Beth Carter finished third in the girls' 15/u 100m breast stroke and Woodcock second in the 11/u 50m breaststroke.

Pershore’s final victory came from the 11/u relay team as Woodcock, Gearey, Annis, Heeks, Marsden and Sweatman blew their rivals away.

There were also good swims from Jack Betteridge, Owen Leeks, Ella Spencer, Jasmine Taite, Alexandra Dobell, Helen Annis, Chris Vizard, Hannah Simister, Luke Bussey and Josh Sharratt.

Pershore head coach Tom Naughton said: “We did extremely to reach the 'A' final and were delighted by the whole team’s effort and determination.

"It’s always going to be hard for a small club like Pershore to compete against much bigger clubs, such as Worcester and Redditch, but we certainly hold our own.

"I was particularly pleased to see how dominant our 11 and under swimmers were and the two relays showed the strength in depth at this age group within the club.

"The older swimmers also produced a string of personal bests and gave it their all.”