TWENTY-SIX wins were still not enough to give Eastleigh Fleming Park Swimming Club victory in an exciting first-round Premier League Gala which went to the wire at Alton.
Just a couple of points separated Eastleigh from the home team and eventual winners Alton.
Fielding a full strength squad there were many excellent performances and personal bests on the night.
For the boys Robert Crook won the under-12 and under-13 50m freestyle, plus the under-12 50m backstroke in a personal best time of 36.58sec.
Ten-year-old Sebastian Willcocks took firsts in the under-11 and under-12 50m butterfly and followed up with victory in the under-11 50m breaststroke.
Brother Joshua was only permitted to swim in two individual races in the oldest age group, and he was a clear winner in both the 100m medley and the 50m butterfly. Sonny Shepherd, in the under-11 50m freestyle, and James Over, in the under-13 50m breaststroke, also took first places.
The growing depth of talent in the boy's team was highlighted as they went on to win seven of the eight relay events.
The girls, not to be outdone, also performed well. Nicola Gentles once again showed her versatility by taking the under-12 50m breaststroke and butterfly, before securing the under-13 medley, all in personal best times.
Alexandra Warren, having swum earlier in the day at Ealing, won the under-13 breaststroke and then clinched a second place in the under-12 freestyle. Nicola Fulford, proving a great addition to the team, took first place in the under-11 25m butterfly. The girls then added wins in the under-12 freestyle and under-11 medley relays.
The nine-year-old swimmers also contributed on the night, winning both the mixed backstroke and boys freestyle relays.
The match was neck and neck throughout the evening and, by the last event - the 8x1 length squadron freestyle relay, Eastleigh were still hoping for enough points to win.
Their swimmers gave their all but, by the time Josh Willcocks left the blocks for the final leg, the team were giving five metres to Alton.
An explosive swim, much to the delight of teammates and supporters saw Alton's lead demolished and full points for Eastleigh.
But it was not enough and they were left to rue the seven disqualifications picked up during the evening.
Result: Alton 171.5: Eastleigh 169: Basingstoke 138: Romsey and Totton 85.5: Farnham 64.
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