THE eighth and final round of the Tudor League saw Erith & District Swimming Club's red team obtain its third win in a row and win the title in what was one of the closest final Tudor League galas of recent years.

Erith’s red team had to beat Gravesend and Northfleet in the gala in order to win the league. The leading team continuously changed throughout with Bromley, last year’s league winners, Gravesend and Northfleet, and Erith Red all having a fair share of the lead.

Despite an unfortunate disqualification from Erith Red, the team won the gala by just two points from Bromley.

Those that helped to achieve maximum points for Erith in their individual races, included: Matt Kirkup (two); Grace McCalla (two); Helen Clifton; Sam Gardiner; Stacey Reeves and Alice McCalla.

Wins also came from the men’s open freestyle team consisting Luke Fuller, Joe Hodges, Mark Nicholls and Paul Nicholls; the ladies’ open medley quartet of Stevie Kirkup, Helen Clifton, Lorraine Stevens and Natalie Bennett; and the girls’ freestyle squadron of Alice McCalla, Emma Goodey, Hannah Spence, Naomi Monksfield, Stacey Reeves, Grace McCalla, Natalie Bennett and Helen Clifton.

For Erith’s white team, individual wins came from Emma Hoyne-Butler, Sara Case, Storm Anderson and Emma Wallace, plus there was victory for the girls’ 9/10 years freestyle relay squad of Tia Anderson, Charlotte Ody, Elizabeth Kennedy and Ria Surridge.

The club is always keen to attract swimmers of all ages, but would particularly like to hear from six-10 year olds. If you are interested in joining or want more details, call Pam Bedford on 01322 439892 or John Burdett on 01322 277754.