It was an achievement in itself to reach the final of the Hants & South Coast League Junior Cup and the youngsters from Eastleigh, all aged 9-13, were determined to enjoy the occasion at a notoriously cold Bracknell pool.

The team got off to a slow start against some excellent competition. Their first win came from Sebastian Willcocks in the 10 years butterfly. He also went on to win the 50m freestyle in a personal best of 32.60.

In the same age group Sonny Shepherd won the 50m backstroke, but was second in the 50m breaststroke, despite a personal best of 45.73.

Eastleigh's remaining wins came from the 11-year-old-boys section, where Oliver Summers and Robert Crook were once again in fine form.

Summers took the 50m freestyle in 29.78, breaking the 30-second barrier for the first time, and also won the 50m breaststroke.

Crook won the 50m backstroke and 50m butterfly (35.57) and was second in the 12 years backstroke.

The boys were also part of a double winning relay team when joined by Peter Hill and Willcocks.

In the girls section, Nicola Gentles, 11, took valuable points in both the 50m butterfly and the 50m freestyle (32. 28) and in the same age group Alexandra Warren also had to settle for a rare second place in the 50m breaststroke.

Mary Gilbert (13) had to work hard for her second place in the 100m butterfly.

RESULTS: Rushmoor Royals 220; Woking 195: Haslemere 187: Eastleigh 178: Ferndown 168: Bracknell & Wokingham 117.