TAVISTOCK Swimming Club travelled to Weymouth to compete against teams from Backwell, Bristol Penguins, Bridgwater and Weymouth for the first of three rounds of the National Swimming League. But it was well worth the long journey as they returned home with a well-earned second place.
The boys showed what they were made of by securing all the club's 13 first places. Kieran Rookes (boys' 11/U) won both the breaststroke and freestyle events and Matthew Adams (boys' 11/U) won the butterfly race, while Sam Campbell notched up two wins in the boys' 13/U breaststroke and freestyle and Sam Harmsworth came first in the boys' 15/U freestyle.
In the open individual events, Mark Hennessey won the backstroke, Michael Best won the breaststroke and Gareth Williams won the freestyle.
In the relay events the 11/U boys did well again, coming first in both their freestyle and medley relays — Matthew Adams, Harry Thompson, Jordan Channon, Kieran Rookes.
The men also won the open medley event — Mark Hennessey, Michael Best, Gareth Williams, Jason Butler — then added Sam Harmsworth and Tom Waddington to their group to finish first in the men's open freestyle race.
'Swimmer of the Gala' was awarded jointly to Natalie Greep and Sam Harmsworth.
The club will travel to Axminster in November for the second round of the competition.
Those taking part — with number of personal best times in brackets —were Sam Campbell (2), Matthew Edwards (2), Matthew Adams (1), Kirsty Best (1), Holly Brimble (1), Jason Butler (1), Megan Groom (1), Sam Harmsworth (1), Kieran Rookes (1), Alexandra Stoecker (1), Elizabeth Teague (1), Harry Thompson (1), Ella Waddington (1), Gareth Williams (1), Michael Best, Kameron Brimble, William Carter, Jordan Channon, Harriet Edwards, Lizzie Fearnley, Bel Germon, Holly Gibbs, Tom Green, Natalie Greep, Mark Hennessey, Cameron McGurk, Laura Radgick, Nathaniel Rookes, Catriona Smith, Kathryn Stacey, Katie Stephens and Tom Waddington.
If you are interested in joining Tavistock Swimming Club, please speak to Sheila Radgick on 01822 618272.