KNUTSFORD Vikings remain in contention to claim a team title after battling hard for every point during the National Arena League’s latest round last weekend.

Despite being depleted by absences, and their opponents raising their game, they took second spot in a North West Minor Division fixture at Connah’s Quay.

It means they begin next month’s final a dozen points adrift of City of Chester.

“I’m convinced that we can still challenge for first place,” said Vikings coach Phil James.

“However that depends on us having our biggest and strongest team available next time out.”

Those that deputised did their chances of keeping their place no harm on an evening when Knutsford celebrated 11 race wins.

Three of those were in relays; under 11s and open mixed 4x50m medley and under 15s mixed 4x50m freestyle.

Their points tally was 16 points short of that amassed by City of Chester, who they had beaten to prevail in a campaign opener at the same venue in October.

James said: “It was extremely tight [on Saturday] and a more competitive gala than the first round.

“Although we had several swimmers contesting higher age-group categories, every single one of them gave their all and we only just fell short of another win.”

The season concludes on Saturday, December 8.

However before then there is an opportunity for Vikings swimmers to convince him they should be picked during the Cheshire County Junior Graded Meet at Macclesfield on Sunday.

“The door is well and truly open for selection and I hope that’s an incentive to post fast times,” added James.

Result

National Arena League

Round Two

Saturday, November 10

North West Minor Division: 1, City of Chester 185pts; 2, Knutsford Vikings 169; 3, Nantwich Seals 144; 4, Sandbach Sharks 139; 5, Ellesmere Port 97; 6, Whitchurch 95

Standings

After two rounds

North West Minor Division: 1, City of Chester 372pts; 2, Knutsford Vikings 360; 3, Nantwich Seals 295; 4, Sandbach Sharks 243; 5, Whitchurch 204; 6, Ellesmere Port 188