As the gala progressed it became apparent that Tavistock and Devonport Royal would be battling it out for third place, with Carn Brea and Dinnaton competing for first place. Devonport initially took a narrow lead from Tavistock but a determined effort from Tavistock swimmers, with plenty of poolside support, saw them gradually catch up with Devonport and then take the lead, finishing in third place.
The Boys Open 4 x 50m Medley Relay team of Richard Freedman, Matthew Lake, Pete Welsh and Chris Ralph swam a blistering race to give Tavistock their first win. Pete Welsh got Tavistock?s only individual win in the Boys Open 100m fly, one of a number of close finishes in the gala.
Tom Waddington, swimming in his first Cornwall and West Devon League event, took a well-deserved second place in the 11/under 50m breaststoke. Richard Freedman (Boys? captain) had two close races to finish second in the Boys Open 100m backstoke and 100m freestyle. Matthew Lake just lost the Boys Open 100m breaststroke on the touch as did Philippa Smith (Girls captain) in the Open 100m butterfly.
The personal best times were all from the younger swimmers with Tom Crocker swimming a personal best in both the 11/under 50m freestyle and 25m butterfly; Tabitha Gould 13/under 50m breaststroke; Jake Chinn 13/under 50m breaststoke; Laura Radgick 13/under 50m freestyle; Jessica Cooke 11/under 25m butterfly; Ross Williams 13/under 50m backstroke. Squad members: Kirsty Best, Rebecca Mills, Rachael Kelly, Alison Kelly, Francesca Gould, William Crocker, Tamar Preston, Michael Best, Laura Aspen, Christopher Mills, Joshua Hughes, Alice Warnett, Marc Kerswill, Nicholas Jarman.
Anyone wishing to join Tavistock Swimming Club should contact Head Coach, Paul Chinn on 01822 810168 for further information.