Winchester Penguins' enthusiastic squad logged an impressive 25 first places and nine one/two finishes when they took part in the Gemini Trophy Swimming Gala for the first time.

Penguins moved into an early 31-point lead after the first ten events thanks to consistent high scoring and firsts for Leanne Whelan, Scott Taylor, Kim Jenkins and Alex Ward in the 50m breaststroke and an open men's and ladies butterfly double by Tom Close and Becky Ford.

The under-11 teams then had their chance to shine as Justin Craig, Simon Mooney, Laura Sharpe and Megan Laing came home first in the medley relay.

By now the swimmers were getting used to the longer pool and under-12s Fenella Langridge, Louisa Warwick, Greg Soper, Sean Davies and Georgina Dymond shone in the tough 50m butterfly event.

The next group of events featured the backstroke, normally one of Penguins' stronger strokes.

Becky Ford and Sarah Jones led the way by taking a one-two in the ladies' open age group, only to be matched by Tom Varley and Sean Davies and a good swim by Lloyd Terry - winning the men's open category with a powerful finish.

At halfway the Penguins had a clear lead but with support from the ever enthusiastic Penguins' supporters the swimmers did not relax.

In the second round of relays the under-14 and 16 squads dominated again with fine swims from Rachael Brown, Mark Campbell, Rosie Stride, Nicky Griffin, Paul Jones and Laura French.

The Penguins capped a fine all round performance with Tom Close's win in the blue ribbon 100m freestyle and a clear water win in the ten-leg squadron relay to clock up a 142 point victory.

Head coach Kevin Terry said: "The big pool brought out some big swims, 50m long course is that much tougher, the juniors in particular coped very well."

Result: Winchester City Penguins 588, Havant & Waterlooville 446, Hart 431, Fareham Nomads 291.