Abingdon Vale broke no fewer than 15 club records when finishing second in their opening National Arena League Division 2 gala at Coventry.

Having gained promotion from Division 3, Vale's swimmers appeared to thrive from facing stronger competition, finishing runners-up to hosts City of Coventry.

Individual club records were achieved by Michael Fabes, 12, in the 100m breaststroke (1min 34.66secs), Niall O'Leary, 13, 100 backstroke (1.09.79), Olivia Law, 15, 100m backstroke (1.11.29) and 100m freestyle (1.03.33) and Luke Teh, 14, 100m breaststroke (1.27.31).

Ten of Vale records came in the relays.

There were two each for the boys under 11 team (Joseph Law, Lochlan King, Max Authers, Oliver Lovibond), girls 13 & under (Nienke Lijzenga, Lily Seaward, Georgia Ford, Emma Pearce), and boys 15 & under (Ollie Baboolal, O’Leary, Adam Lowe, Teh).

Witney finished fourth. For many of their swimmers, it was a first experience of a 50m pool, and there were a number of excellent performances.

Harry Hall won the club’s swimmer-of-the-match award for his storming win in the 15 & under boys’ 100m freestyle and his efforts in the 100m butterfly.

Hill was supported by Callum McLean, Jake Kinahan and Elliot Jozwin to win the boys’ 15 & under medley and freestyle relays.

Anneliese Whiteley was runner-up for her victory in the open ladies’ 100m breaststroke. Aimee Felstead sha-red the award for her displays in the 13 & under 100m backstroke, butterfly and relay.

Result: 1 Coventry 232pts, 2 Abingdon 198, 3 Enderby 182, 4 Witney 177, 5 Rykneld 162, 6 Bromsgrove 95.

Witney personal bests: P Moss, M Colling.