REN96 swimmers claimed victory at the second round of the Clyde Coast Mini League after a nail-biting conclusion saw the result in the balance until the final race.

The event was held at the Galleon Centre, Kilmarnock on Sunday, April 23.

The league provides a fun introduction into competition for younger swimmers between the age of 8 to 11, with three matches held from March till May.

The Renfrewshire club’s youngsters, coached by Andy Jackson, Jonny Sprot and Catherine Gardner, faced tough competition from Kilmarnock, Kirkintilloch and local rivals Inverclyde. This was one of the closest rounds to date, with only four points separating first and second place.

REN96 took an early lead with some great individual swims, but Inverclyde responded and closed the gap halfway through to lead for most of the second half of the competition, leaving it all to play for in the relays.

REN96 battled through to take the relays and the outright win of the round from Inverclyde with a dramatic conclusion when Harry MacDonald clinched the win by a finger tip.

Andy Jackson said: “My team put up a fantastic fight to the very end. They can be proud of what they achieved here today.”

Gillian Heasley, the team manager said: “This was one of the most exciting competitions I’ve been to recently. The leaderboard never seemed to stop changing between REN and Inverclyde.”

The REN96 team for the day comprised of: Ava Heasley, Max McKie, Madeline Paterson, Kia Connolly, Kyle Connolly, Cassie Wyper, Anjali Pavri, Lily McCarey, Samantha Torrance, Adam Scott, Gregor Ross, Erin Harwood, Stella McCradie, Hazel King, Holly Millar, Luke Gardner, Charlie Hamilton, Harry Keough, Andrew McGrane, Chaorain Hart, Zoe McGinley,Emilia Rae, Mirin McAlister, Harri McDonald, Mitchell King, Luke Connelly and Ryan Crain.

The final score sheet read REN96 171 points, Inverclyde 167 points, Kilmarnock 93 points and Kirkintilloch 68 points.