Middlesbrough went into action to defend the Evening Gazette team trophy at Eston this week and emerged worthy winners, thanks to some great team performance. All age ranges from 10 years to 16 and over were represented in a crowded evening of 16 events plus finals.

The girls 10-11 years team were first up in the medley event. The team of Katie Brooks, Poppy Dawson, Olivia Atkinson and Frances Gibbings finished a strong second in the heats and repeated their achievement in the final. In the freestyle event the girls were first in the heats, but unfortunately, were disqualified in the final.

The boys 10-11 years team of Peter Homan, Stephen Loughran, Matthew Crackell and Ross Fisher finished second in the medley final and were just pipped into third in the freestyle final. The girls 12-13 team consisting of Holly Atkinson, Sian Bollards, Amy Campling and Naomi Wise took a convincing win in their medley heat and final and looked to be on course to repeat the result in the freestyle finishing first in their heat, but were disqualified thus elimnating them for the final.

Middlesbrough's 12-13 boys team pulled off the double emerging victors of both the medley and freestyle events, Peter Thompson, Paul Morren, Chris Mason and Adam Hilton all swam exceptionally well.

In the girls 14-15 events Middlesbrough were represented by Danielle Coonan, Jo Jo Hatfield, Rebecca Kelly and Lauren Knapper. The girls took second in their medley final and went one better to win the freestyle final with a great team swim. The 14-15 team consisting of Peter Thompson (freestyle), Paul Morren (medley), James Kruman, Tom Harforth and Daniel Fisher took the first in the freestyle final and went one better to win the freestyle final with a great team swim.

Middlesbrough's 16 and over ladies team was up against very strong opposition but qualified for both finals finishing fourth in the medley and freestyle events.

Swimming for Middlesbrough were Stacey Hine, Gillian Smith, Charlotte Ferens and Jayne Hlal.

In the men's 16 years and over the club fielded a very experienced team consisting of two members of the coaching team and two younger swimmers. Julian Harforth and Stuart Willmott being the seniors and David Bell and Stephen Hall representing the teenage generation.

Middlesbrough won the gala with a score of 68 points to retain the trophy. Stockton finished second on 56 points.