DAN Goodwin has said that Winsford Swim Team’s consistency was the reason for an encouraging start to a new National Arena League season last weekend.

They ranked fourth in a North West Premier Division fixture that included champions Stockport Metro.

“It was a tough draw,” said the head coach.

“Despite that I’d told a number of people that I had a feeling we’d have a great night, and we did.

“Lots of our swimmers finished in fourth or fifth place time and again, and that demonstrates the impressive strength in depth that we have.”

A total of 50 races took place at Macclesfield, where Jay Cushen recorded a victory in both the under 15s boys’ 100m breaststroke and 100m butterfly.

Izzy Kay was second in the under 15s girls’ 100m butterfly, while Lottie Howman (under 15s girls’ 100m freestyle), Thomas Kud (under 13s boys’ 100m backstroke), Adam Poole (men’s 100m freestyle) and Ben Townsend (under 13s boys’ 100m freestyle) all ranked collected points for a top-three finish.

Winsford were also third in the under 11s girls’ 4x50m medley relay, under 13s boys’ 4x50m freestyle relay and the men’s 6x50m freestyle relay – the gala’s finale.

Goodwin said his emphasis is on the collective effort of a team that included a majority of swimmers at the bottom of their age-group category, pitting them against older and more experienced rivals next door.

He added: “Every single one stepped up to the plate and raced their hearts out.

“I’ve repeated it often in the past but the camaraderie and togetherness at Winsford is what makes the club special.”

Stockport were the outstanding team, recording 37 victories to finish more than 100 points clear of runners-up City of Salford.

Preston pipped Winsford to third position.

Goodwin said: “The racing is fierce because every team is striving to accumulate as many points as they possibly can.”

The campaign resumes at the same venue next month.