THE new competitive season started for Tavistock Swimming Club as they hosted a gala in Okehampton, with guests Exmouth, Tiverton and Okehampton.

Tavistock led from the start with an opening race win in the ladies 100m IM by Kirsty Best and this was followed by a further 20 first places throughout the gala.

Other wins were achieved by Gemma Arundel (11/u 50m backstroke), Elizabeth Teague (15/u 100m butterfly), Kathryn Stacey (open 100m backstroke and freestyle), Chloe Marks (15/u 100m freestyle), Kieran Rookes (15/u 100m freestyle and breaststroke), Kirsty Best (open 100m breaststroke), Mike Best (open 100m breaststroke), Jake France (11/u 50m freestyle), Harriet Edwards (15/u 100m breaststroke) and Matt Edwards (open 100m freestyle).

Tavistock Swimming Club also achieved first places in eight out of the 16 relays.

Several younger swimmers joined the team and swimming for the club for the first time was Annabel Botham.

The final position were 1, Tavistock 145 points, 2, Tiverton 122, 3, Exmouth 102 and 4, Okehampton 100.