City of Leeds retained their Speedo League title with a comfortable victory in the final, held at Sheffield’s Ponds Forge. The Yorkshire club posted a score of 288 points to finish well clear of second placed City of Coventry on 244 and third placed Millfield on 241. With the final stripped of many of the internationals who often grace the competition as the British Olympic team competes at the French Nationals, it was Leeds’ strength in depth which told on their rivals, although they were made to work very hard for their win. Particularly impressive were the ladies open team who took three of the five available individual wins and also took out top spot in both relays.
Meanwhile in the B final, Kingston upon Hull were unable to make it a repeat of last year’s north east double as they couldn’t defend their title. The win was taken by a spirited performance from Leatherhead, the surprise package of last year’s Cup final, as they pipped Plymouth Leander by 12 points to take the honours.
Cup final
1. City of Leeds 288 2. City of Coventry 244 3. Millfield 241 4. Portsmouth Northsea 231 5. Hatfield 221 6. City of Salford 197 7. City of Liverpool 190 8. City of Norwich 189
B final
1. Leatherhead 278 2. Plymouth Leander 266 3. Borough of Hillingdon 247 4. Kingston upon Hull 240 5. Northampton 238 6. Perry Beeches 211 7. Exeter City 199 8. Horwich 121