LEYLAND Barracudas put on a superb performance in the Speedo Micro League Inter League national finals in Liverpool.

Before the event coach Mark Gale stated he would be happy if the team came away with seventh or eighth place -- but in the end they far exceeded ecpactations by finishing a brilliant third.

Alex McKay who came second in the 10 years boys' backstroke, Jack Johnson who touched in fourth for the boys 11 years breaststroke were among some of those who performed well.

In the 12 year girls Nicole Aguilar, Katy Greig, Vicky Wood and Catherine Van-Russelt fought hard for their third and Alex McKay took fourth in the 10 year boys butterfly.

The event finished with the mixed Cannon, the team, tired but determined, managed fifth (Grace Raines, William Holme, Emma Godwin, Joe Leeming, Laura Breakell, Graham Donald, Catherine Van-Russelt and Dan King in the team).

The final points total was: 8th (143 points) Stourbridge, 7th (151) Weston Super Mare, 6th (167) City of Derby, 5th (184) Lincoln, 4th (186) Leyland, 3rd (191) Ealing, 2nd (254) Kingston Upon Hull and 1st (271) City of Liverpool.

An idea of the strength of the opposition Leyland were up against can be seen by the fact there were eight new records set on the day.

Team captains, Nicole Aguilar and Jonathan Bruce, proudly received Leyland's cup and pennant -- a magnificent effort in such a prestigious event.