One of the highlights in the recent success of Basildon and District SC has been the sibling rivalry between the Francis sisters -- 13-year-old Grace and Chloe, nine.

The pair have claimed county titles at a phenomenal rate and went into Sunday's final Essex County Age Group Championship meet pretty much neck and neck.

Prizes - for Grace (left) and Chloe Francis Picture: ROB BROWNE

And they finished with honours also fairly much even as both scooped top honours for the season in their respective age groups.

Chloe, only old enough to compete by a few days and with a year left in the youngest age group, finished just ahead of her sister with seven Essex crowns, but Grace -- five golds and six silvers -- collected more points.

The older sister also ended the season on a high when she was handed the Captain's Trophy for the outstanding performer of the meet.

Grace won the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke, 100m free and 100m individual medley -- in which she smashed the county record.

Chloe won in three backstroke distances, 100m and 200m butterfly and the 100m IM, also in a county record.

Another to star for Basildon was Billy Hockley, who won three silvers (50m fly, 50m back, 100m IM) and two bronzes (50m and 200m breaststroke).

Published Wednesday, April 16, 2003

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