IN the first round of the Herts Peanuts Swimming League, City of St Albans Blue team took third place. The 27-strong junior squad showed the benefits of training under the guidance of former South African Olympic coach Wayne Riddin

IN the first round of the Herts Peanuts Swimming League, City of St Albans Blue team took third place.

The 27-strong junior squad showed the benefits of training under the guidance of former South African Olympic coach Wayne Riddin as they set 44 new personal bests in the meet. In a closely fought gala there were two golds for Anne Marie- Du Preez, and one for Robbie Lightowler while Luke Bevis picked up a silver medal.

Riddin, the South African Olympic Games Swimming Team Manager and Head Coach in 2000, also had a notable impact on two members of the senior squad who competed at the Regional Championships last week. Matthew Henson achieved ninth place in the Under 17s 100m Breaststroke and his sister Charlotte finished seventh in the 14-year age group.

CoStA squad members competed in the Bedford Aquathlon, completing a swim and run. Heather Geers won the 9-year girls group, and Robbie Lightowler took top spot in the 11-year boys.

Coach Riddin, who is head coach of the powerful Seals Swimming Club in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, will be returning to CoStA run a further two week training camp in the summer.