A FULL coach of Okehampton Otters swimmers and supporters travelled to the Exe Valley Leisure Centre at Tiverton to swim in a friendly event against hosts Tiverton and teams from Dawlish, Honiton, Ilfracombe and Exmouth.

Finishing fifth, the team appeared lacklustre in their efforts, only achieving two first places.

Despite the lack of maximum points, twelve personal best performances were achieved, three Otters Age group records improved on and an eleven-year-old Otters Club record finally broken.

First positions went to 12-year-old Matthew Westlake in the 50m backstroke and 14-year-old Rebecca Rowe in her 100m backstroke.

Personal bests went to Lucy Dixon, Amelia Allen and Oliver Kirby in the 50m freestyle, Tom Bradley 100m freestyle, Chloe Sanders 50m backstroke, Hayley Jones 100m backstroke, Elona Wonnacott 50m breastroke, Eloise Allen and Matthew Westlake 50m butterfly (Matthew?s time also an age group record), Holly Dennis 100m IM and Gareth Jones 100m butterfly (also age group record) and 100m IM (also age group and club record.)

Rebecca Rowe and Paul Lawrence?s captains? swimmers of the gala were young Chloe Sanders for showing excellent team spirit in agreeing to swim a 50m butterfly event she had never attempted before, and 10-year-old Oliver Kirby for swimming six 50m races, including two 50m butterfly events.

Full team: Paul Lawrence (captain), Gareth Jones, Kevin Jones (Master), Matthew Westlake, Matthew Webber, James Kelly, Kieran Mitchell, Gabriel Aguilera, Oliver Kirby, John Radnor, Tom Bradley, Sam Collett, Luke Wonnacott, Janek Jachnik and George Speak.

Girls? team: Rebecca Rowe (captain), Scarlet Geering, Hayley Jones, Lucy Dixon, Chloe Sanders, Eleanor Oakley, Abigail Stocks, Rebecca Ewen, Rebecca Jarvis, Charlotte Radnor, Gemma Jachnik, Amelia and Eloise Allen, Holly Dennis, Elona Wonnacott, Vicky Medlyn and Katherine Manchip.

The Otters will be back in training again this week and be looking to regain their fitness in time for their final North Devon Mini League gala at Barnstaple on May 8.

The Otters have recently been able to congratulate Rob Aubry on successfully completing his ASA club coach certificate and Linda Mitchell for completing her ASA assistant teacher?s course. Enquiries about joining the junior club to the membership secretary on 01409 221377.

Twenty-five Okehampton Masters swimmers will be travelling to Tiverton on May 22 for the annual Devon Masters competition swimming in 67 individual events and fielding at least two teams per relay event.

These and other Masters swimmers train on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8pm to 9pm. Anyone interested in joining should contact the Masters membership secretary on 01837 840663.