Enniskillen Lakelanders travelled to the Waves Leisureplex in Lurgan for the penualtimate round of the Forest Feast Aquasprints league looking for a win away from home waters but fell to a narrow defeat by 22 points, 211 - 189.

It was, however, a highly competitive evening’s swimming in which the young Lakelanders impressed showing lots of improvement and development in this competitive arena.

The Medley Relay was the first event of the evening and despite strong starts from Kate McDade, Sam Morrison and Oisin Cox, Lurgan were edging ahead in each age group. Clearly the salt water and height of the block to pool made it difficult for our younger swimmers.

However the Lakelanders took charge of the fourth relay and produced a firm win by group D swimmers Jake Cadden, Ellie McCartney, Isobel Lannon and Matthew Dolan.

The backstroke was the first of the individual events and saw great finishes by girls Hannah Lynch, Emer Murphy, Cora Cassidy and Ela Winters and also by boys Ronan Houston, Rory Keogh, Dylan Convey and James Mongan.

First place wins went to Captains Jake Cadden and unbeaten Ellie McCartney with second place finished and points to Jamie Lannon, older sister Isobel Lannon, Abigail Boyd, Niall Bruce and Patrick Williams.

Personal bests were achieved by Tom Buchanan with a time of 30.21 seconds, Anna Cairns with a time of 25.02s and Ellie McCartney 17.51s.

However, Lurgan were ahead by eight points at this stage.

The breaststroke was dominated by the Lakelanders resulting in a win in this event with first place finishes going to Eloise Boyd, older sister Abigail Boyd, Niall Bruce, Annabel Morrison and Ellie McCartney and second place going to Oliver Mooney, Anna McDade, Patrick Williams, Molly Johnston and Jake Cadden.

PBs were achieved by Darcy Balfour 31.47s, Oliver Mooney 26.02, Ciara O’Donnell 24.71, Frank Buchannan 24.43 and Ellie McCartney 17.32s. Notable swims also went to Cora McConnell, Callum O’Hare and Owen O’Donnell.

The third and most gruelling event, butterfly, saw wins by Abigail Boyd, Niall Bruce, Anna McDade, Ellie McCartney and Jake Cadden and second place scores achieved by Jamie Lannon, Patrick Williams and Matthew Dolan.

Much sought after PBs went to Jamie Lannon, Molly Rice (achieving a new time of 24.93), Patrick Williams and Ellie McCartney. Strong swims were also recorded for Niamh O’Donnell, Leah Irwin, Callum O’Hare. However, Lurgan had a strong team for the fly and were still ahead by six points in this closely fought affair.

The freestyle was the final individual event of the night and was watched with much anticipation given the score.

The Lakelanders secured first place wins by Abigail Boyd, Niall Bruce and Ellie McCartney with second place points going to Anna McDade, Patrick Williams and Isobel Lannon as younger brother Jamie Lannon broke 19 seconds for the first time in 18.61s.

PBs were achieved by Anna Cairns 20.56s, Ronan Houston 28.53s,Ellie McCartney 14.63 and a strong swim from Frank Buchanan saw him break 18s for the first time with a time of 17.98s.

As a result, it was all to play for going into the freestyle relays.

Despite the Lakelanders’ strong competitive spirit, Lurgan stormed ahead in all age groups except the Lakelanders group D which were victorious in both team events on the night. But this was not enough to overcome the Lurgan overall score who won with 22 points to spare.

Fastest overall swimmer of the evening goes to 12 year old Ellie McCartney who also racked up PBs in her events.

The Lakelanders can be proud of their achievements against such a strong team and a special mention goes to 10 year old Isobel Lannon who swam up on the night to support her team, contributing valuable points to the relay teams and came second in two of her individual events in the 11- 12yr old age group category.

Well done to all the swimmers, and the club extends a huge thank you to all the parents, volunteers and coaches without whom these competitions would not be possible.

The final takes place on Friday, June 2 and the fastest team will be chosen from the times available. There are no individual medals – only a gold, silver or bronze for the team but all scores count.