Abingdon School pupils Adrian Au, Michael Esnouf, Nicholas Whitehead and Luke Teh are celebrating reaching the national finals of the English Schools’ Swim-ming Association Championships.

The youngsters, who are all aged 15, qualified by winning the Oxfordshire trials and will compete against the 16 top schools in the country in the 4x50m freestyle and medley relays at Southampton on November 26.

The boys are under the expert guidance of Scott Farnell, who is also the coach at Abingdson Vale SC.

Talking about the boys’ achievement, Farnell said: “Qualifying for the national finals came as no shock.

“I knew these boys were going to be something special when I started coaching at the school.

“The boys are training hard for the finals and are looking forward to the competition.”

Esnouf, from Combe, added: “I am pleased to have the opportunity to compete against the best schools in the country.

“I feel that we can improve on our qualifying times and threaten the top teams to be in with a chance for a medal for both events.”

Abingdon School only started competitive swimming in 2008, having opened the indoor pool as part of the ir new sports centre.

l FOLLOWING their victory in the opening round, Abingdon Vale SC again achieved first place in the second round of the National Arena League (West Midlands Division). Final scores: 1 Abingdon Vale 204pts, 2 Boldmere B 189, 3 Solihul 184,4 Belper 179, 5 Falcon 150, 6 Mansfield 148.