YOUNG swimmers from Halesowen travelled to Rugby for the second round of the Junior League last Saturday.

Following a draw that produced an interesting set of galas, Halesowen found themselves in a really tough encounter and were forced to battle hard all evening against strong opposition.

Despite some fine performances the team ended the night in last place and now face a relegation battle in the final round in June to hold on to first division status.

Unusually there were no first places on the night for the team. Individual swimmers finishing in second or third places were Jacob Bailey in the backstroke, Libby Hickman in the freestyle, Sarah Elfrey in the breaststroke and Anthony Demitry and Adam Ryan in the butterfly.

The age 9 boys were the pick of the relay teams and grabbed third places in both medley and freestyle events with the team including Theo Evans, Jack Everton, Jacob Smith and William Walker.

The age 10 and under girls team including Libby Cashmore and Tegan Turley also secured third place in the medley relay.

Final point scores were Northampton 281, Blythe Barracudas 197, Stratford Sharks 174, Bilston 157, Braunstone 149, Halesowen 107.