THE last swim in this year's North Devon Mini League was held at Barnstaple and again the Otters found their girls' team was low on numbers with some swimming in older age groups.

Ilfracombe, the only team the Otters had any chance of outscoring, were able to keep their noses in front because seven of the 60 events were not contested by an Otters swimmer.

The final points placed Otters fourth with a deficit of 22 points behind Ilfracombe.

Alex Wooldridge came first in the 11 years 50m butterfly and the 50m breast. The fly was in a new age group record time.

Tom Bradley had a good solid performance in the 12/13 years 100m breast in a personal best time.

Other winners were Matthew Westlake 11 years 50m back, Jo Cade 14/15 years 100m back and the boys' 12/13 years medley relay team of Cameron Huxtable, Tom Bradley, John Radnor and Alex Dennis. This was swum in a new age group best time.

Seven second places came from Cameron Huxtable 12/13 years 100m back, club record, Matthew Westlake 50m free, Harriet Davies 50m free, Jo Cade open 100m back and 14/15 years 100m free, John Radnor 12/13 years 50m fly and the 11 years boys' medley team.

Thirteen personal best time were swum by Nick Bowles, Tom Bradley, Harriet Davies, Kate Dennis, Cameron Huxtable, Hayley Jones, Imogen MacCullock, John Radnor x 2, Connie Shackleton, Rebecca Vile and Alex Wooldridge.

Janek Jachnik swam to a 14-year-old's record in the 100m breast.

Coach Nigel West said he could not take anything away from the effort put in at the last two galas.

'After beating Ilfracombe in our home pool my hopes were that we may have pipped them in the league this year. However, with lack of girls willing to swim it makes this task harder because no-one can perform to their best if swimming several events on one night.'

l On Saturday the club is hosting a disco at the Conservative Club to raise funds.