Wales narrowly missed out on a place on the podium after a stunning Mixed 4x100m relay final performance, but they signalled their intent to their Commonwealth rivals on day one in the pool.

The Welsh team, who were making their debut in the event at Sandwell Aquatics Centre, included Welshpool's former Oswestry Otter club Dan Jones in going toe-to-toe with Australia, England and Canada but fell agonisingly short.

In the final Dan Jones sprinted Wales into position before Matt Richards rediscovered his Olympic form to swim the fastest leg of the entire heat.

Medi Harris clung onto third in an epic battle with Canada’s Rebecca Smith, but Margaret MacNeil stormed home to claim bronze.

“I’m extremely proud, the crowd were incredible, the team were incredible,” said Richards. “Jarv did an amazing job this morning and it is just a brilliant way to start the meet for us, the only way is up! Four years ago we didn’t even have a Mixed 4×100 team so to have five swimmers and come fourth is unbelievable.”

In the end Wales finished less than two seconds behind Canada, but backstroke specialist Harris believes the team can use their performance as a springboard into the rest of the meet.

“I think it’s even more special because we’re such a small nation,” she said. “It shows how we can step up against the bigger guys. Hopefully it’s a good sign and we can step-up in the finals.”

Jones was also part of the men’s 4×100 Freestyle team which celebrated a new Welsh record time after a rapid last leg to qualify third for tonight's final in a time of 3:18.69.