DESPITE a disappointing start to the Cornwall and West Devon League in April against very strong competition, the Tavistock Swimming Club was determined to show what it could do in the second round at Newton Abbott, which the swimmers did in fine style with 22 personal best times and 12 first places, against the home team, St Austell and Penzance. The boys? cannon started them off well with a first place and strong swims by all four, Sam Campbell-Hingston gaining a personal best time and much cheering for Club Coach Mark Hennessey, swimming the final leg. There were PBs for the younger swimmers and Tom Crocker led the 13/U 50m breaststroke to take an impressive 1st and PB. Both the Open 100m back events provided 2nd places, much needed points and PBs for Rachael Kelly and Michael Best. Sam Campbell-Hingston took 1st place in the 11/U 50m breaststroke, with a PB for Sam Harmsworth with in the 13/U 50m freestyle. Christopher Ralph and Laura Radgick both swam to 1st place in the Open 100m freestyle and the relay teams resulting in a further six first places, across all age ranges. The swimmers finished in 2nd place overall with 129 points behind winners Newton Abbot with 167 points. The team comprised (with number of personal bests gained in brackets): Tom Crocker (4), Michael Best (3), Rachael Kelly (2), Catriona Smith (2), Sam Campbell-Hingston (1), Will Carter (1), Matthew Edwards (1), Natalie Greep (1), Tom Grennan-Cruise (1), Sam Harmsworth (1), Charlotte Mellor (1), Josh Stephens (1), Alexandra Stroecker (1), Rebecca Tansey (1), Tom Waddington (1), Alice Adams, Emily Adams, Laura Aspen, Teri Boka, Kalin Dautrich, Megan Fell, Alison Kelly, Laura Radgick, Christopher Ralph, Kirsty Smith, Ella Waddington and Ross Williams. ?Swimmer of the Gala? was awarded jointly to Josh Stephens and Rachael Kelly. The final round takes place on June 3.
