SATURDAY saw a team of young Diss Otters take to the water at Bungay Swimming Pool for the Beccles Long Trophy Gala. With many of the Otters competing in their first-ever competition the atmosphere was vibrant - and enthusiasm from the swimmers was on show for all to see.

SATURDAY saw a team of young Diss Otters take to the water at Bungay Swimming Pool for the Beccles Long Trophy Gala.

With many of the Otters competing in their first-ever competition the atmosphere was vibrant - and enthusiasm from the swimmers was on show for all to see.

In excess of 20 personal best times were achieved including Charlotte Dickinson (50m free), Taylor Bowen (50m free and 25m fly), Ellie Sarson (50m breaststroke), Emma Halmshaw (50m fly and free), Beth Palmer (100m back), Gwillam Lloyd (100m back and free), Katie Halmshaw (50m breaststroke), Henry Melton (50m breaststroke and back), Pippa Rice (50m fly), Tom Storey (50m fly), Lauren Fountain (50m back), Jack Turner (50m back and fly), Caitlin Davey (100m free), Ruth Melton (50m breaststroke), Ben Rose (50m breaststroke), Francesca Wallace (100m breaststroke), Will Hutchings (100m breaststroke), Charlotte Palmer (50m back) and Daniel Brooks (50m free).

The pick of the night's swims came from the Halmshaw sisters who both swam to victory in their individual events. With further point-scoring swims achieved by Luc Van Rensburg, Jess Nash and Iwan Lloyd the team finished a respectable fourth.

The following day saw nine Diss Otters venture to Dereham for the annual Iceni open meet. Pippa Rice and Emma Halmshaw showed no signs of fatigue from the night before as they both competed in numerous events, with Pippa picking up four medals including a gold in 50m breaststroke.

Emma achieved five top-ten finishes unfortunately finishing in seventh on three occasions, one place outside the medals. Maya Harris, Elly Osborne and Ryan Hargrave all took home a medal - in 100m breaststroke, 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly respectively.

Sister and brother Sophie and Jordan King also competed strongly with seven top-ten finishes between them, as did Kirsty Barker and Carly Rose who improved on their seedings in each of their swims. Overall, the swimmers smashed their entry times on 20 occasions out of a total of 36 swims.

If you would like to get involved with Diss Otters, call head coach Jamie Rush on 07738 427735 for a free trial.