BICESTER kick-started the first two rounds of the Oxfordshire & North Buckinghamshire County Championships with some strong performances.

The meets took place across successive weekends at the Leys Pool, Oxford, and Aqua Vale, Aylesbury.

Bicester’s club captain Freddie Whybrow, 18, took an impressive eight seconds off his personal best in the 1,500m freestyle.

In Oxford, Josh Rowland, 18, secured a considered regional time with a season’s best of 16mins 52.18secs.

More times fell in the girls 800m freestyle, with Grace Bradney, Georgia Usher and Tia Falkner smashing their personal bests.

The boys’ under 11-12 team secured fifth place in the freestyle relay, with Frankie Oliver stepping up to fill in for an injured teammate.

In Aylesbury, Bradney and Usher secured more personal bests.

Falkner also put in a strong performance, smashing her six-minute target in the 400m individual medley, with a time of 5.45.

Tim Walker, 12, knocked 11 seconds off his personal best in the 400m freestyle, while Matty Thornley and Ryan Mackenzie both took eight seconds off their times.

Rowland went sub-five minutes in the 400m individual medley.

Blue Fins head coach Craig Oliver was proud of his squad’s performances.

He said: “What a great start to not only the County Championships, but also to 2018.

“Not only have we seen some exceptional swims and a host of PBs, but the team spirit displayed was immense.”