ALTHOUGH in 3rd position after 10 events in the Final Gala of the Speedo League Division 3 at Brockhurst on Saturday, Tavistock were unable to maintain their position and were disappointed to finish 7th. Tavistock had hoped to finish in the first three as they had previously beaten some of the competing clubs in Round One and Round Two. Not being able to field a full squad took its toll and despite Tavistock putting up a determined fight to overcome this handicap it was an uphill struggle with some of the competitors having to swim up an age group. Sam Campbell and Catherine O?Boyle stepped in at very short notice to complete the 11/under teams and compete in the Speedo League for the first time. Nevertheless, the squad recorded 20 personal best times between them. Individual wins were James Lake ? open 100m butterfly; Peter Freedman ? open 100m backstroke; Michael Best ? 15/under 100m breaststroke; Kirsty Best ? 13/under 100m breaststroke. The open relay of James Lake, Matthew Lake, Peter Freedman and Chris Ralph took the only first in the relays. Natalie Greep was nominated Swimmer of the Gala. Results: Brockhurst 308; Southwold 258; Clevedon 231; Oddicombe 209; Christchurch 208; Bristol Penguins 208; Tavistock 187; Devonport Royal 187. Full squad ? Sam Gardner (girls? captain), Peter Freedman, Natalie Greep, Millie Chinn, Catherine O?Boyle, Isabel Grose, Joshua Thackham, Joshua Hughes, Sam Campbell, Sam Harmsworth, Alice Warnett, Kirsty Best, Francesca Gould, Laura Aspen, Tom Crocker, Tom Waddington, Joshua Stephens, Chris Mills, Danielle Thackham, Laura Radgick, Amy Warnett, Michael Best, Jake Chinn, Sam Broome, Jake Broome, Rachael Kelly, Matthew Lake, James Lake, Chris Ralph (Boys Captain), Will Crocker. Earlier this month, 14 members of the club travelled to Torquay for the Annual Torquay Leander Christmas Open Meet. From the 60 swims entered, no less than 41 personal best times were recorded by Tavistock swimmers, many of them reaching the finals and earning medals in their age groups. Swimmers competing were Laura Aspen, Abigail Best, Kirsty Best, Michael Best, Sam Campbell, Francesca Gould, Charlotte Mellor, Chris Mills, Laura Radgick, Catriona Smith, Kirsty Smith, Ella Waddington, Tom Waddington, Rebecca Windemer. Laura Radgick had a busy day, competing in the Plymouth Leander Open Meet at Central Park before travelling on to Torquay. Swimming against tough opposition, Laura achieved personal best times in both of her events. Anyone wishing to join Tavistock Swimming Club should contact head coach, Paul Chinn on 01822 613181.
