THERE was a jubilant buzz about town last weekend as Okehampton Otters swimmers returned in victorious mood following their trip to Axminster for their first friendly gala after the summer break.

Club coach Rob Aubrey hailed the win as a fantastic start to what could be a notorious year for this expanding swimming club. Okehampton won in impressive form with a comfortable 14-point margin to second-placed Honiton. Illminster were third and Sid Vale fourth.

Of the 50 events, Otters won a total of 21 races, 15 being individual wins. Fifteen personal bests were improved on and three club records broken.

Swimmers who competed for the first time were Rebecca Chapman, Oskar Mackay and Gina Brint.

Club captains swimmers of the gala were Oskar Mackay and Amelia Allen.

Otters swimmers are now looking forward to victory at Crediton on October 25.

On the day the individual event wins went to Gareth Jones 100m IM and 50m fly (new pb); Matthew Webber 25m fly (club record and pb) and 50m breaststroke (new pb); Michael Aylin 50m breaststroke (new pb); John Radnor 50m fly (new pb) and 50m backstroke; Holly Dennis 50 freestyle and 50m breaststroke (new pbs); Matthew Westlake 50m backcrawl (new club record and pb) and 50m fly (new pb); Tom Bradley 50m freestyle and 50m breaststroke; Janek Jachnick 50m breaststroke and Jo Cade 50m backstroke.

A further club record went to Janek in his 50m backstroke (and pb) and the remaining personal bests went to Gabriel Aguilera 50m freestyle; Michael Aylin 50m freestyle; Paul Lawrence 50m freestyle; Charlotte Radnor 25m fly; and Elona Wonnacott 50m breaststroke.

The squad had six relay victories; 12&u mixed medley, Rebecca Jarvis, Rebecca Ewen, Matthew Webber and Michael Aylin.

16&u mixed medley, Jo Cade, Sam Bradley, Vicky Medlyn and Paul Lawrence.

12&u boys' freestyle, Matthew Webber, Michael Aylin, Oscar Mackay and Matthew Westlake.

14&u boys' freestyle, Tom Bradley, Matthew Westlake, Luke Wonnacott and John Radnor.

16&u girls' freestyle, Vicky Medlyn, Jo Cade, Rebecca and Natalie Bowle.

The inclusion of a couple of parents' relays allowed some travelling masters swimmers to flex their muscles and produce a fine win in the mixed freestyle relay: Kevin Jones, Nick Bowles, Jackie Jarvis and Sue Wonnacott.

This win continues the recent successes gained by the club both in competition and other activities. In the last few months the club has seen its membership swell and swimmers are still enquiring to join.

With six ASA teachers and the anticipation of a new facility due to open next year, the club are looking forward to a successful year.

Anybody interested in joining the club or its buoyant‚ masters section should contact the membership secretary on 01837 840362.