Local swimmers put up some excellent performances at the combined British Olympic team trials and national championships, at Sheffield, with pride of place going to Newcastle's Sue Rolph, writes Eric Wilkinson

Already pre-selected for the 100m freestyle, she also qualified for the 200m individual medley, which she won, and the 50m freestyle, in which she was second.

Richmond's Nicola Jackson, swimming for Derwentside, was third in the 200m freestyle and is almost certain to be included in the 4x200m relay when the Olympic team is announced on Monday.

Darren Wigg (Newcastle) broke his Northumberland and Durham record when finishing as runner-up in the 400m individual medley, but unfortunately he did not clock the Olympic qualifying time. Club mate Chris Cook lowered the twin counties' marks in the 100m breaststroke, finishing fourth, and the 200m, in which he was third. He was also third in the 50m. Julie Fort, also Newcastle, got the bronze medal in the 50m backstroke.

Next week it is the turn of the youngsters to take centre stage when the national age group championships are held at Coventry. Joanne Jackson (Richmond), sister of Nicola, has the fastest entry time for the 14 years 200m butterfly. Newcastle's Danielle Berry is quickest in the 12 100m butterfly, second seed in the 200m individual medley and third in the 100m and 400m freestyle.

Another in pole position is Max Underhay (Chester-le-Street), 13 200m individual medley, and he is in second spot in the 100m freestyle. Fellow club member Stephanie Proud leads in the 12 100m backstroke and Andrew Mayor (Newcastle) heads the qualifiers in the 14 200m breaststroke, while the Middlesbrough boys 15-16 4x50m freestyle team is also favourite to win.

Others in medal positions include Chris Wilson (Wear Valley), second 15 200m breaststroke, Chris Surtees (Middlesbrough) second 16 100m butterfly, Steven Gawman (Chester-le-Street) third 13 400m individual medley, Tara Johnson (Newburn), third 14 400m fr4eestyle, and Andrew Thirlwell (Newcastle) third 15 100m freestyle.

Sedgefield's Matthew Bowden scored in England's 6-5 win over Belgium at the Loule, Portugal, international junior waterpolo tournament. They also beat Ireland 9-8 but lost 10-4 to host nation Portugal and again 10-7 in the final to finish second.

England had won the previous ten years but put a team two years younger in this year to prepare for the European under-19 championship in two years time. Matthew played in all the games including four full quarters in the final. This winter he will be playing for Newcastle in the national league division two.