TAVISTOCK kept their supporters on the edge of their seats at Backwell on Saturday in the Second Round of the Speedo League against Southwold, Bridgwater, Carmarthen and Clevedon.
Southwold took a narrow lead which they maintained throughout the gala with Tavistock and Clevedon in a nail-biting battle to secure second place with everything eventually resting on the final two events, the Open 6x50m Freestyle Relays.
There was a deafening cheer from Tavistock supporters when the team of Rachael Kelly, Sam Gardner, Laura Smith, Alison Kelly, Laura Radgick and Phillipa Smith swam to victory in the penultimate event.
Needing maximum points in the final event to ensure second place, the Open team of James Lake, Matthew Lake, Chris Ralph, Will Crocker, Sam Broome and Peter Freedman did not disappoint and came home to thunderous applause from their team mates and supporters.
The Girls 13/under Relay team of Alice Warnett, Kirsty Best, Laura Aspen and Francesca Gould were just pipped for first place in the 4x50m Relay but swam determinedly to take a well-earned first in the 4x50m Freestyle.
The Open Age Group had a particularly successful evening with both Peter Freedman and Rachael Kelly having convincing wins in the 100m Backstroke. The Open 100m Butterfly event was also dominated by Tavistock swimmers James Lake and Laura Smith. Sam Gardner took first in the 100m Freestyle and Peter Freedman had a second individual first in the 100m Individual Medley.
Stepping in at short notice and not yet fully back into training proved no barrier to Sam Broome who got full points for Tavistock in the 15/under 100m Freestyle, taking 6 seconds off his previous personal best time. The 15/under Boys also claimed another win when Michael Best came first in the 100m Breaststroke.
First places by the 11/under were claimed by Sam Harmsworth in the 50m Freestyle and Isabel Grose who swam the 50m Breaststroke in a personal best time. Isabel was named the Swimmer of the Gala.
Full squad (personal best times) - Phillipa Smith (1), Peter Freedman, Natalie Greep (1), Millie Chinn, Isabel Grose (1), Rebecca Windemer (1), Josh Thackham, Sam Harmsworth (1), Tom Grennan-Cruise, Josh Hughes, Alice Warnett, Kirsty Best, Laura Aspen (1), Francesca Gould (1), Tom Crocker (1), Tom Waddington, Josh Stephens (1), Chris Mills, Amy Warnett, Danielle Thackham (1), Felicity Browner, Laura Radgick (3), Michael Best, Sam Broome (2), Jake Chinn (1) Rachael Kelly (3), Sam Gardner, Laura Smith, Alison Kelly, Chris Ralph, James Lake, Will Crocker, Matthew Lake.
Further details regarding joining Tavistock Swimming Club can be obtained from Paul Chinn on 01822 613181.