OKEHAMPTON Otters Swimming Club recently held an inter-club gala at Simmons Park.
Ilfracombe pulled out at the eleventh hour leaving Sidvale and Tavistock as the remaining competition.
The gala, swam as a 13 and under event, proved to be keenly contested with the outright winner not being decided until the last few races.
The Otters won an amazing 22 swims out of 53 events and had 15 second places. But this just fell short of Sidvale who went on to win with the Otters ten points behind and Tavistock third.
The winners from the club were spread in all the age groups and for several it was the first time they had achieved this feat.
Vicky Medlyn, Tom Bradley and Matthew Westlake came away with three victories each. Merrick Kirby had two, with the girls' 13/u medley and freestyle relays gaining another two.
Swimmers who gained one win apiece were Tom Aylen, Rebecca Vile, Harriet Davies, Matthew Webber, Connie Shackleton, Imogen MacCullock, Daniel Worrall, boys' 10/u medley relay, boys' 11/u medley relay.
With a lane spare to be used as a time trial lane the coach gained feedback from times gained by swimmers using the lane. This brought the total number of personal best times up to 26.
These were gained by Amelia Allen, Tom Aylen in the 50m back, making it the only club record swim on the night, Tom Bradley x 3, Harriet Davies x 2, Lily Davies, Alex Dennis, Kate Dennis, Stacey Endacott x 2, Rebecca Ewen, Abby Hill, James Kelly, Imogen MacCullock, Nick Mingo, Charlotte Radnor, John Radnor x 2, Connie Shackleton, Ellen Squire, Rebecca Vile x 2, and Daniel Worrall.
The chosen swimmer by the captains for this gala was Rebecca Ewen, who swam a 50m fly for the first time, stepping in at the last moment to gain an extra point.
The summer break is nearing and the club can be proud of what has been achieved over the last seven months., said coach Nigel West.
Any budding swimmer can join the club. For details call Nigel on 01837 53431.