WITHAM Dolphins swimmers attended the London Borough of Redbridge Early County Meet at Fullwell Cross.

This was a chance to blow off a few early season cobwebs and the event saw a number of Dolphins swimmers attend the meet including a number of younger ones who were competing at their first Open Gala.

There were a number of great swims, including a top-six finish and her first Essex County qualifying time for Sophie Mason.

Rachel Nelson and Isabella Brockway-Smith ,who were competing at their first open gala both came away with a number of personal bests (PBs) and medals.

There was also a gold for Maia McPherson in the 100 metre breaststroke and a silver in the same event for Anna Godwin. More PBs and medals followed for Jasmine Shaw, who came home with a silver in the 50m freestyle and Aoife Marley with silver in the 50m backstroke.

A top-six medal was taken by Lily Fletcher, who smashed her 50m butterfly time by more than three seconds and achieved an Essex County qualification time.

Also competing and coming away with some great PBs and placings were Chloe Tingley, Jasmine Wood, Isabelle McPherson, Kiera Brewer and Heloise Hall.

For the boys, Oliver Cottee and Lucas Hewstone were both competing at their first open gala.

Both did themselves and the club proud with some great swims and PBs.

Jack Tingley was also on form in the 50m and 100m freestyle events, coming away with PBs and his first Essex County qualification times in both events.

There were more PBs for Ryan Shaw, who also picked up a fourth place in the 200m breaststroke and Lewis Sackman, who picked up a PB and Essex County time in the 50m freestyle.

Jack Monaghan and Pierce Monaghan both had some great swims and big PBs.

There were also medals for Rory Grimshaw, who picked up bronze medals in the 100m backstroke and 200m breaststroke and Josh Fowles, who came away with gold medals in 400m and 200m freestyle.