MARLINS reached their highest ever position in Speedo League of the North West with a battling fifth place in the final round at Horwich on Saturday. In their first season in the Premier division, Marlins are in 13th place overall out of 20 teams.

This round pitted Marlins against five teams, including local rivals Preston. A strong City of Chester Squad established an early lead which they maintained throughout, finishing first with 218 points. Ulverston Swim Squad finished second place (192 points) and Wirral Metro Swim Squad took third (with 178 points).

Marlins and Warriors of Warrington were neck and neck all the way, with only three points separating them after 40 of the 50 events. But Warrington snatched fourth place with 173 points, leaving marlins fifth (156 points) and Preston sixth (132 points).

Marlins swimmers produced 16 Personal Bests, including one for the old man of the squad, Chris Hamer, in the Mens 100m Breaststroke.

First places were again secured by the 13-year-old Boys Relay team -- Andrew Holden, Thomas Brimley, Daniel Coombs and Arthur Downing.

Arthur Downing also won the 13-year-old Boys 50m Butterfly, with Thomas Brimley taking the 13-year-old Boys 50m Breaststroke. The Womens Open Age group 100m Freestyle was won by Sarah Johnson.