Fareham Nomads' 14-year run in the south's top flight finally came to an end of Saturday - but not before they'd threatened to escape the drop from this year's Speedo Premier Division.

In a six-club sinkers' gala, with four going down, Nomads were equal first after a dozen events and were hanging on to second behind Hastings at half-way.

But both clubs faded, as Rushmoor Royals and Kingston, seeded last coming into the gala, came through in the last session to snatch safety. Nomads ended up fourth - just seven points from safety.

Nomads' top names didn't let them down; but the need for strength across every age-group did.

Hannah Clegg (100m medley and backstroke) and Rebecca Newman (butterfly) collected three wins in the open category.

Youngsters Luke Halbauer (50m breaststroke) and James Whelan (50m backstroke) also teamed up for medley victory to help the under-11 boys to 31 of a possible 36 points, the same as the open ladies.

Best of all, Nomads' under-13 boys' quartet secured 34 of 36 points. Peter Hall won the backstroke (1.07.93pb) and Nick Barber (1.11.08pb) the butterfly, backed by silver medals from Richard O'Donnell (freestyle, 61.93pb) and Graeme Holland (breaststroke).

They also combined for two relay gold medals, both in club best times for Speedo League.

Coach Stewart Crowe has no doubt of their potential: "If we can keep them fit, they can challenge for gold in the Hampshire championships. They've been the stars of our Speedo campaign and they've got to be up there with the best in the county," he said.

He's more wary about Nomads' prospects for an instant return to the top flight - and about whether it's necessarily to be desired.

"It's possible we'll go straight back up, but it wouldn't concern me if we don't. We've some excellent swimmers and more good 'uns coming through.

"If it takes two to three years, I'd much rather nurture the talent so they can go out and know what winning's like. No-one wants to go out as a team and get beaten week in, week out.

"Clubs of our size are going to find it very, very difficult to stay up in the Premier Division".

The fact Nomads will now be able to field full-strength squads in events like the Minor League and Junior Cup means they should soon enjoy that winning feeling more often.

Result: Rushmoor Royals 190, Kingston 185, Hastings Seagulls 181, Fareham Nomads 178, Haslemere 169, Bexley 140.

* Fareham Nomads' Jo Swatton's re-born swimming career took another notable step this week.

Fifteen years after swimming in the age-group nationals, the world masters champion makes her debut at Britain's Winter Nationals in Sheffield Ponds Forge.

Swatton is entered for the 200m backstroke, while her fellow Nomad Hannah Clegg takes on all three backstroke events.

A mixture of club championships and the Havant & Waterlooville junior sprints occupy most other local swimmers this weekend.