SWINDON Dolphin's Chris Jones returned to the club's Milton Road base as the 2008 Celtic Tri-Nations 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke champion after a successful weekend representing Scotland.

The championship, held at the Royal Commonwealth Pool in Edinburgh, was established in 2006 to allow teams from Scotland, Wales and Ireland to compete against each other annually over a three-year period, fitting in with the Commonwealth Games cycle.

One of the highlights was when British champion Jones beat Kris Gilchrist in the 50m breaststroke Skins' final, a seven-round event combining speed and fitness.

Jones was delighted with the win over Gilchrist, who was swimming in his home pool, and holds the fifth fastest ever 200m breaststroke.

Jones, who also won gold in the 4x100m medley relay, said: "My times are improving and I am a second quicker now than I was this time last year, although I need to drop further to get an Olympic qualifying time.

"I have been swimming well so I am feeling confident and in good shape going into the Olympic trials in Sheffield."

Ireland finished as champions, 30 points ahead of Scotland, captained by Jones.

Meanwhile defending Wiltshire Masters' champions, Swindon Dolphin, made an impressive start in block one of this year's competition at Tidworth on Saturday night.

They won with 35 points to spare over second place Salisbury and 63 points ahead of local rivals, Swindon Area Masters, who finished third.

Dolphin also secured pole position in the men's team rankings.

Individually, Jon Audis (25-29 years) and Helen Hanks (35-39 years) led the way - Audis claiming four wins (25m breaststroke, 50m backstroke and 100m butterfly & freestyle) and Hanks winning the 50m backstroke and 100m butterfly & freestyle, setting a new county record in the freestyle with a time of 1:08.13.

There were also new county records for Brian Davis (70-74 years) who won three events, Paul Kirk (35-39 years) and the 76-120 years mixed 200m freestyle relay team.

The next round is on June 7 at the Link Centre.