Swim Rotorua win Bay of Plenty relay championships

Swim Rotorua's Mixed Open 4x100m Freestyle Relay winners Bianca Donelley (left), Skye Cox, Paddy Baylis and James Baldwin. Photo / Supplied

Swim Rotorua's 2018/19 season is off to a successful start with a hard-fought victory at the Swimming Bay of Plenty relay championships.

The event was held at the Rotorua Aquatic Centre which was close to having the roof blown off by enthusiastic swimmers and supporters desperate to be crowned victors over their fierce local rivals.

Swim Rotorua ran out worthy winners with five closely fought wins from a total of 15 events. Rotorua's strength in depth was visible with their B teams chipping in with much-needed points.

Head coach Alastair Johnson said there was a high level of competition.

"Full credit to our local rivals who have pushed us hard right to the end.

"We were hurt last year when we got beaten, so this year we are really pleased to have got our hands on the overall trophy. All our swimmers raced their hearts out and posted some really good times," Johnson said.

Swim Rotorua's winning relays

Event 3 – Mixed Open 4x100m Freestyle Relay
Bianca Donelley, Skye Cox, Paddy Baylis and James Baldwin

Event 5 – Male Open 4x50m Medley Relay
Joe Nagera, Jack Weston, Paddy Baylis, James Baldwin

Event 11 – Mixed 12 years and older 4x50m Freestyle Relay
James Baldwin, Skye Cox, Bianca Donelley, Paddy Baylis

Event 14 – Open 4x25m Medley Relay
Joe Nagera, Jack Weston, Paddy Baylis, James Baldwin

Event 15 – Mixed 10x25m Freestyle Relay
Tamzin Joy, Ariel Muchirahondo, Ngamihi Simpson, Aaron Muchirahondo, Alex Cameron, Sam Baldwin, Kapua Warbrick, Josh Balmer, Bianca Donelley and James Baldwin