A DEPLETED Durrington Otters stepped up to the task in hand during the first round of the Moonraker League to secure second, four points behind leaders Swindon.

Arriving in Calne without 25 per cent of their regular squad members, Durrington prepared themselves for a tough afternoon and the first few races saw many swimmers hold third and fourth positions to get the points tally flowing.

Then, some confident second positions were gained by the team, which pulled together to gain first in girls’ squadron, Ruby Allen, Georgia Allen, Jasmine Hunns and Emma Oliver comprising the 4x11 butterfly. This was closely followed by a second win by the girls’ under 17s breaststroke quartet of Sarah Falconer, Jasmine, Georgia and Lauren Rinaldi. These efforts placed Otters in a comfortable second position to keep in touch with leaders Swindon.

Furthermore, a win by the girls’ open medley team – Eloise Toomer, Emma, Alice Simms and Loran-Fae Evans – and first place from James Falconer, Matt Chapman, Rory Burton and Isaac Reed in the boys open medley.

After 30 races, Otters closed the palpable gap to three points.

However, their tiredness began to creep in as some swimmers had already completed 10 races and settled for second.

Final scores: Swindon 134, Durrington Otters 131, Devizes 117, Trowbridge 83, Corsham 79.