RICHARD Huish swimmers won five races while college’s cross-country runners were also among the honours at the Association of Colleges’ South-West Championships.

The event was held last week at the University of St Mark and St John in Plymouth with places at the national championships up for grabs.

In the pool, Huish put out a strong squad of swimmers, three of whom took first places.

Ed Fuller won the 200m freestyle, Sam Young the 100m butterfly and 200m freestyle and Georgia Arden the 50m and 100m back.

Arden said: “It was a tough competition but I am pleased to have won through and have the chance to perform on a bigger stage.

In the male cross country race it was Huish students that jumped out to an early lead in a brave move to spread the field.

At the half-way point Huish started to up the pace with Dom Taylor and Archie Walton controlling at the front.

As the race entered the final straight it was the Huish duo who kicked for home with Walton edging his team-mate at the line.

In the female race India Bannister came into the final 400m in second place but took a wrong turn. She had to try and get back in the race in the final few metres, eventually crossing the line in fourth place.

Matt Morgan, Huish’s cross country coach, said: “Our students did fantastically well and we will now start our build up to the nationals and try to finish in the top three.’’