KENDAL swimmers have returned to action to join others at the North West gathered at Leigh to compete in the first round of the Arena League.

Teams representing Kendal, Orca, Everton, Cossacks, Satellite, Altringcham the Gala opened with a mixture of Medley Relay races, followed by some individual events.

Seniors Rosemary Swallow and James Escolme took on the 16/Overs and both swam into top places. Turning to the Mixed 9-11yr olds, Elliot Dart, led them out and set the pace for Indie Brookes to use her Breaststroke skills to give Ava Dixon the benefit of advantage at Butterfly.

Handing over to George Kinnear he surged through the last length to time his finish to perfection. More great combinations were to follow and with immaculate takeovers and dazzling swims.

The Mixed 13/Under Medley squad made up with Evelyn Kinnear, Max Whitehead, Kara Van Der Merwe and Leo Murray worked had to gain vital points for the team.

The pace of the gala began to increase as the more Senior swimmers got into the picture. The 15/Under 4 x 50 Freestyle team were led out by Mathew Foster with a brilliant effort who handed over to Chloe Westmorland.

This left Isabelle Wall-Budden to launch a devastating attack at Butterfly with a power house effort giving anchor Jake Smith the chance to call on all his reserves and storm to a well-timed finish.

The Relays concluded with the 16/Over 4 x 50 Medley with Asha Turner-Tarrat combining with James Escombe, Owain Heathcote-Jones and anchor Kate Collin blasted her way to a memorable finish. These results were followed by the Individual performances where Jessica Atkinson and George Kinnear kicked off at 50 Backstroke with solid swims. Isabelle Wall Budden, Mathew Foster, Evelyn Kinnear, Rosemary Swallow and Adam Stansfield all displayed wonderful technique especially in their turns.

The Breaststroke swimmers also made their mark with some dazzling work, concentrating on their stroke plan and challenging for every length. Kara Van Der Merwe and Max Whitehead both displayed their talent at Breaststroke driving forward to an exciting finish. The swim of the meet came from Ava Dixon who continues to succeed at Breaststroke.

A superb start saw her quickly settle into her place amongst the leaders and set the pace. Out of her turn and transition she focused totally on her race and surged ahead to storm the finish for a brilliant win.

Wall-Budden had an outstanding swim with Mathew Foster in the 15/Under 100 Backstroke, then did a repeat performance again with Foster in the 15/under 100 Freestyle. Her contribution still not over, she then moved up a group and along with Adam Stansfield they displayed both their power and great technique in the 16/Over 100 Freestyle.

James Escolme also had a double part to play, first with Kate Colin in the 16/Over 100m Butterfly, followed by another remarkable performance with Lara Smith in the 16/Over 100 Breaststroke. For some of the youngsters this was their first time in a team event which brought them new experiences.