TAVISTOCK Swimming Club made a promising start in the first few events of the first round of the Cornwall and West Devon League held at Marjon but were unable to sustain their initial success. Nevertheless, they were unfortunate to finish fourth behind the winners Port of Plymouth, Truro and Devonport Royal as there were many close finishes in an enjoyable gala.
With some of the older swimmers not available, many of the younger swimmers were swimming up at least one age group, but did so with determination and many were rewarded with personal best times.
Kirsty Best had a convincing win in the 11/u 50m breast in a personal best time. Rebecca Mills claimed the only other first place with an excellent swim in the 13/u 50m free.
Boys' captain Richard Freedman had a tremendous swim in the open 100m fly to take second place in a personal best time. Vicky Evans, also swimming a personal best time, just missed first place in the 11/u 50m free, as did Amy Warnett in the 50m breast.
Michael Best swam strongly to take second in the 13/u 50m breast in a personal best time. Second places also went to Sam Broome in the 13/u 50m free, Caroline Tuck in the 11/u 25m fly (pb), Rebecca Mills in the 50m back (pb) and Caroline Ball in the 13/u 50m fly.
Personal best times (including relay times): Vicky Evans (2), Tom Crocker (4), Jessica Barnes, Alison Kelly (2), Kirsty Best (2), Ross Williams (6), Rebecca Mills (3), Richard Freedman, Rachael Kelly (3), Caroline Tuck (2), Nicholas Jarman (2), Christopher Ralph, Jessica Cooke, Adam Browner (2), Matthew McNamara, Jonathan McNamara (2), Alice Warnett.
Other squad members: Jake Broome, Lauren Cooke, William Crocker, Paul Dunstan, Chris Tetley, Hannah Ball, Sebastian Lee, Samantha Jarman.
Head coach Paul Chinn was pleased with the individual performances of the squad with 'Swimmer of the Gala' being awarded to Kirsty Best.
The BT Swimathon 2002, in aid of MacMillan Cancer Relief, saw a number of club members completing the full 5000m, 200 lengths of the Meadowlands Pool.
Caroline Ball, William Crocker, Nicholas Jarman, Marc Kerswill and Christopher Ralph all completed the course somewhat faster than the competing parents, Debbie Crocker, Jackie Ralph and Steve Taylor, all of whom also completed.
The total raised by the swimmers is expected to exceed £500. If you would like to join your local swimming club, contact Paul Chinn on 01822 810168.