THE first swimming gala of the new year was the North Devon mini league meet held at Torrington pool.
This gala probably came too early for Okehampton Otters as the club had only returned to training for one week. Nonetheless, this gave the coach the opportunity to give some swimmers their first action in club colours. These were Georgia Kelly, Charlotte Radnor, Amelia Allen, Rory Huxtable, Nick Mingo and Oliver Kirby.
The team were down to only eleven female swimmers on the night and coupled with the rules of the league this meant ten events were uncontested and put the team on the back-foot. But Jenny Rice winning the opening race of the night gave the team a lift.
Jenny also went on to win the open 100 free. Others to touch out their competitors were Jo Cade 14/15 yrs 100m back, Alex Wooldridge 11 years 50m breast and the 12/13 years boys 4x25 m medley relay and freestyle relay team. Nine second places were attained during the course of the gala.
The team of Cameron Huxtable, John Radnor, Tom Bradley and Daniel Worrall with Alex and Matthew Westlake are competing for places for the Devon relay events coming up in February.
Twenty personal best times were recorded with Sam Bradley setting a new time by a margin of 7 seconds from his 100m breast. Gavin Best erased 8 seconds from his 100m fly, Alex Wooldridge 7 seconds off 50m fly and Kate Dennis 9 seconds off 100m back.
Others were Amelia Allen, Gavin Best, Nick Bowles, Tom Bradley, Jo Cade, Cameron Huxtable, Rory Huxtable, Rebecca Jarvis, Georgia Kelly, Imogen MacCullock, Nick Mingo, Charlotte Radnor x2, Matthew Webber, Matthew Wise and Daniel Worrall.
New club records were set by Jenny Rice free and im in the senior age group, Jo Cade 15 years 100m back, Cameron Huxtable 12 yrs 100 m back, Alex Wooldridge 11 yrs 50m fly, and Simon Medlyn senior 100m back.
Coach Nigel West said it was disappointing not to be able to race in all of the events, but it was encouraging to know Ilfracombe were only 19 points ahead.
The club are always on the lookout for new members - ring Nigel on 01837 53431 for further information.