BRIDPORT Barracudas made a promising start to the Jurassic League with some excellent performances at the first round in Shaftesbury.

The league, originally set up by the Barracudas in 2005, is now in its 10th year and this time is being sponsored by Bridport-based David Taylor Property Services.

The atmosphere at St Mary’s was buzzing, with excited children from six clubs across Dorset being joined by a guest squad from Tornadoes of South Dorset, who stepped in when Durrington had to pull out.

Heron, Wincanton, Blandford and Ilminster were the other clubs competing.

The gala started well for Bridport and, after 11 events, they were placed second behind the Tornadoes.

The Barracudas continued to push hard as the team moved between second and fourth overall.

A couple of Barracudas gained deserved first places and a healthy number achieved seconds and thirds.

Placed fourth just behind Ilminster going into the penultimate race of the gala, the infamous ‘cannon’ relay, there was still plenty to play for.

The cannon sees teams pick a boy and girl from each age group, with 10 in total swimming a freestyle leg each.

Lifted by the roar of the watching swimmers and spectators, Barracudas finished the race in third, which was to be their final position in the gala.

Tornadoes won and Heron were second, and the top three clubs received trophies in recognition of their achievements.

A club spokesman said: “Our members swam fantastically and it was good to see newcomers in the younger age groups participate and swim confidently.”

The next round is on May 10 at Yeovilton Airbase, home of Heron SC.