CLACTON Swimming Club defied expectations with a strong performance at the latest Mini League gala, in Braintree.

From being a recreational club, their current competitive team was only born in the first week of January and took part in their first gala in March.

Because of their new status, rival clubs did not expect them to perform so well but they did not count on the determination, ability and passion of the Clacton swimmers.

They amassed 116 points – way above expectation – as they did battle with Basildon, Southend, Havering and Braintree.

First-time racer Toby Young was part of the club’s four by 25 metres medley relay team, along with Ian Tien, Joseph Griggs and Hayden O’Brien.

Together they clocked a blistering time of one minute and 29 seconds to finish second.

Tabitha Kennedy won the 50m breaststroke, while Sam Loader won the boys’ 50m breaststroke.

Next up was the under-11s 50m freestyle and Clacton put forward eight-year-old Ian Tien.

He produced an incredible performance, stopping the clock in 38.03s to secure second place behind an 11-year-old from Southend. He was only beaten by 0.12 of a second.

It was a wonderful night for the club, who believe they have a bright future and are on the right path to becoming a competitive force again.

The following morning, 13 Clacton swimmers returned to Braintree for an Open Meet.

Once again, expectation levels were not too high.

Then, in race five, Evie Scott, in her first-ever legitimate competitive race, won a medal in the 50m backstroke, up against 138 entrants.

Evie medalled again later, as did Jacob Tidy and Tabitha Kennedy. The real surprise was the swimmers’ times, notably Jacob Tidy in the 200m backstroke (1m 21.56s), Mia Lawrence in the 50m fly (41.85s), Amelia Hearne in the 50m backstroke (40.57s), Millie Hearn in the 50m freestyle (35.14s) and Molly Young’s impressive 37.01s, missing out on qualifying forthe County Championships by 0.11 of a second.