THE first gala of 2003 saw the Otters Swimming Club compete in the North Devon Mini League hosted by Torridgeside.
This gala came just six days after the resumption of training after the Christmas break, so the team was not expected to compete to a high standard.
But there were encouraging swims from several swimmers, with many moving up age groups to compete at longer distances this year.
Three first places came from Matthew Webber, 11 years 50m breast, Janek Jachnik, 14/15 years 100m breast, and Alex Wooldridge, 12/13 years 50m fly - a new club record. Janek also returned with a record for the 14 years 100m back. Imogen Maccullock set a similar record in the 14 years 100m breast.
Nine second places went to Jo Cade (2), Alex, Rebecca Vile, Matthew Westlake, Scarlett Geering, Matthew Webber, the girls? open medley and the boys? 12/13 years medley relays.
Eighteen personal best times were set by Amelia Allen, Natalie Bowles,Gavin Best, Scarlett Geering, Janek Jachnik, Oliver Kirby (2), Charlotte Radnor, John Radnor, Jessica Vick, Rebecca Vile, Matthew Webber (2), Matthew Westlake, Matthew Wise (2) and Alex Wooldridge (2).
With the turning of the year new swimmers reaching the10 years age group swam in their first outing for the club. Mia Fallon-Clark, Chris Courtier, Kieran Mitchell, Alice Meardon and Jessica Vick all contributed to helping the club get much needed points.
Unfortunately, the club fell short of Ilfracombe by as little as 16 points in the final tally to finish in fourth place.
Coach Nigel West said the points margin between the clubs could easily be made up with fulfilment of all the races and getting back into shape with some training.
The Otters? next swimming meet is the Devon Inter Club Championships at Plymouth this Saturday. This is the first time they have entered this event.