A team from a Welwyn school has caused a splash at a national swimming championship.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: L-R: Joel Pietersen, Oliver Baskerville, Cameron Hennis, Rochan Brown and Dexter Rigby. Picture: supplied by Angie PietersenL-R: Joel Pietersen, Oliver Baskerville, Cameron Hennis, Rochan Brown and Dexter Rigby. Picture: supplied by Angie Pietersen (Image: supplied by Angie Pietersen)

Five boys from St John’s C of E primary school in Digswell came fourth out of 24 schools in the English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) cup on Saturday, June 16.

At the competition in Sheffield, Joel Pietersen, Rochan Brown, Dexter Rigby, Oliver Baskerville, with Cameron Hennis in reserve, were just half a second off third place in the freestyle relay - no mean achievement when their school doesn’t have a swimming pool.

Joel’s proud mother Angie noted that the St John’s team were the top state school in the competition.

The boys train together at Hatfield Swimming Club and had sessions with Panther Performance Coaching, but it’s the first time they have represented their school to compete as a team.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: L-R: Joel Pietersen, Dexter Rigby, Rochan Brown, Oliver Baskerville and Cameron Hennis at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield. Picture: supplied by Angie PietersenL-R: Joel Pietersen, Dexter Rigby, Rochan Brown, Oliver Baskerville and Cameron Hennis at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre in Sheffield. Picture: supplied by Angie Pietersen (Image: supplied by Angie Pietersen)

“They’re all really close, they’ve bonded really well,” said Angie. “They’re all really supportive of each other.”

Angie praised the support of the team manager, Gideon Brown, and the school’s support during the competition.