FIFTEEN enthusiastic members of Tavistock Swimming Club travelled east to take part in Torquay Leander Swimming Club's Christmas Open Sprint Meet on December 2. Josh Stephens, 13, had a fantastic morning session, coming first in the butterfly and individual medley finals, second in the backstroke and freestyle finals and third in the breaststroke final, swimming personal best times in all events. The points from these resulted in him winning the top 13 year old boy category. The afternoon session saw Katie Stephens (girls' 9 years) achieve first reserve in the butterfly final, knocking an amazing 19 seconds off her previous personal best time. Ella Waddington (girls' 12 years) achieved first reserve in the breaststroke final. Kieran Rookes swam in four events, coming first in the breaststroke final, second in the freestyle final, third in both the backstroke and individual medley finals and collected enough points to win the top 9 year old boy category. The evening session saw fierce competition in both the girls' and boys' 14 years and over category. Kirsty Best came first in the breaststroke final, fourth in the individual medley final and gained third place overall in the top 14/O girl category. Michael Best gained second place in the breaststroke final and Catriona Smith gained fourth place in the butterfly final. Eleven year old Will Carter took third place in the backstroke final and came fifth in the top 11 year old boy category. Also taking part were Rebecca Tansey (girls' 12 years), Abigail Best (girls' 11 years), Tom Waddington and Ross Williams (both boys' 14/O) and Laura Aspen, Kirsty Smith and Amy Warnett (all girls' 14/O). The team took a well deserved seventh place overall. The following day saw the second half of the Devon County Development Galas at Central Park, Plymouth, when Sam Campbell-Hingston came first overall in the 11 year boys' age group and Josh Stephens took fifth place in the 13 year boys' age group. Also taking part were Katie Stephens, Harriet Edwards and Matthew Edwards. l The Tavistock swimmers are pictured right.
