SWINDON Dolphin began their defence of the Wiltshire Masters with a second-place finish to Salisbury Stingrays in the first round of the 2013 competition.

Salisbury will take a lead of 29 points into the second round but Dolphin could close the gap in the familiar surroundings of the Link Centre in July.

Dolphin debutant Alison Nye, who last month became a British Masters record holder in the 200+ years 4x200m freestyle relay, made an immediate impact.

She claimed two individual Wiltshire 55-59 year age group records in the 100m free and 25m breaststroke.

Nye and teammates Helen Hanks, Chris Lock and John Drake set a new county record in the 200-239 year 4x25m medley relay.

Dolphin’s other new Wiltshire record came from a more familiar face. Brian Davis, embarking on his seventh decade with the club, set the new standard in the 25m breaststroke for 75-79s.

The other three debutants were Ffion Davies, Ady Jefferies and Joe Kerslake, with the latter’s return to competitive swimming seeing him take first in the 18-24 year 50m backstroke. That was one of 18 age group victories on the night.

Wootton Bassett Otters were sixth overall, Swindon Area Masters were second-last and Swindon ASC finished bottom of the pile.

Results: Salisbury Stingrays 129, Swindon Dolphin 100, Warminster & District 60, Bradford on Avon 44, Corsham 33, Wootton Bassett Otters 29, Marlborough Penguins 27, Trowbridge 16, Swindon Area Masters 14, Swindon ASC 3.