THE inaugural Lyme Splash Sea Championships were held as part of the town's carnival week.

The sun shone and three ASA teams from Wales; Weston-super-Mare and Bridport together, with three beginners' teams; two from Lyme Regis and one from Yeovil played two tournaments DASH and SPLASH.

The experienced ASA teams, Welsh Warriors – a team of 13-17 year olds narrowly lost to DASH tournament winners Weston-super-Mare, with Bridport Barracudas third.

SPLASH beginner’s team NUFF SAID from Yeovil won by just beating Lyme Regis’s Boat Building Academy team Benji’s Buoys, with Lyme Luggers coming in a close third.

Karen Durham-Diggins, chairman of Lyme Splash, said: "“We had a marvellous turnout for our first event that not only bought water polo back to Lyme Regis but also raised awareness of the sport.

"It was fun as well as competitive.

"The event could never have taken place however, without the generous support of Bridport Barracudas, the ASA Water Polo referees, volunteers, the Cobb Centre, Lyme Regis Town Council, the WDDC and of course our sponsors.

"Main Sponsors Baboo Gelato’s Sam Hanbury presented the winners' T-shirts and ice cream vouchers to the delighted winners, and generously also gave runners-up ice creams to the Welsh Warriors.

“We were so happy to be able to sponsor the inaugural Lyme Splash Sea Championship.

"It was a great success, with all the teams seeming to enjoy themselves and super support from a vocal crowd along the Cobb wall.

"This is exactly the sort of grassroots, local event that makes Dorset so special.

"Baboo Gelato will definitely be sponsoring the event next year.

Annie Hanbury, founder of Baboo Gelato added: "Many congratulations and thanks to all the competitors, Lyme Splash crew, and organisers.

“The response to this event has been incredibly positive from many quarters. Plans for regular water polo practice in Lyme Regis and for a bigger event next year are already being discussed.”