WITH a third gala in as many weeks Okehampton Otters have had the chance to swim in their own pool for the first time this year.

The event was the third round of the north Devon mini league. With the success of the previous week's gala the Otters went into this event with more confidence.

In total, four first places were gained by Jenny Rice, open 100m fly, an age group record; Rebecca Rowe 12/13 years 100m free — the remarkable fact about this swim was that an amazing seven seconds was knocked off her previous best time — Charlotte Rowe 10 years 50m free and Tom Bradley 10 years 50m breast. This followed his fine race win from last week so he is in good form at the moment.

As well as those first places the Otters also secured six second places, which was six more than the last league swim. Sam Bradley showed up well in the 100m 12/13 years 100m breast. Also doing well in the breaststroke events in the 10 years age group were Alex Wooldridge and Catherine Souness. The others were all backstroke events with Jenny Rice, Rebecca Rowe and Charlotte Rowe.

One other club record in the senior 100m breaststroke for men was set by David Dennis who is getting better with each swim, showing his younger team followers how it should be done.

Fifty personal best swims have been set recently so it was no real surprise that this number was slightly down last week. Nonetheless 15 new best times were gained by Sam Bradley (-3 secs of breast), Tom Bradley (-3 off fly), David Dennis x2, Sarah Gomersall, Cameron Huxtable, Hayley Jonesx2, Imogen MacCullock (2.5 off fly), Emma Pollard, Jenny Rice, Joe Rice, Becky Rowe, Polly Wood and Alex Wooldridge.

The final result put the club still in fourth place, but with a significant gain on Ilfracombe by some 50 points.

Any new members are always welcome — ring Nigel on 53431 for more details.