THE Wiltshire County Championships 2009 got underway last Sunday with the 800m freestyle at the Link Centre.

Traditionally a female only event, this year’s competition saw a total of 34 boys and 36 girls brave the distance in mixed heats.

Swindon Dolphin dominated the girls age groups, taking four gold and two silver from the eight categories, with Elizabeth Beckett taking the overall championship title.

The boys also enjoyed success with four age group silver and one bronze from the six categories. A fine performance by Joe Kerslake also saw him take silver in the Junior Championship.

Meanwhile, Swindon swimmers ruled the pool in the final round of the Moonraker Winter League.

Going into the event, Swindon Dolphin’s A team arleady looked almost certain to book their place in the A final, with the B team hoping to put in a performance to hold on to their B final position.

Both teams were strengthened by several swimmers making 2009 debuts in the league, unable to swim the first two rounds due to long-course open meet commitments.

The A team put in a strong show at the Link to win the second gala which should guarantee them a place in the A final. Meanwhile the B team, up against six other Wiltshire A teams at Salisbury, held their own to finish a creditable fourth which should book them a place in the B final.

Meanwhile, local rivals Tigersharks A will be waiting in the end-of-season final after winning the first gala of the weekend, which featured Dolpin’s B team.

The finals of the Moonraker Winter League are on Saturday, February 28.

Moonraker Division 1 Gala 1 Result: Tigersharks A 225, Bradford on Avon 217, Salisbury Stingrays 201, Swindon Dolphin B 138, Marlborough Penguins 122, Warminster 99, Wootton Bassett 66.

Moonraker Division 1 Gala 2 Result: Swindon Dolphin A 201, Trowbridge A 193, Chippenham 148, Corsham A 128, Trowbridge B 101, Melksham 36.