TAVISTOCK Swimming Club travelled to Pontypool, Wales to compete against other teams from Barry, Bishopsworth, Cwmbran and Ilfracombe for the second round of the National Arena Swim League. It was well worth the journey as they returned home with a well-earned first place.
The Tavistock team gained an excellent 12 first places and numerous personal best times.
First places were secured by Kirsty Best open 100m breaststroke, Kathryn Stacey open 100m backstroke and freestyle, Gareth Williams open 100m butterfly, Cameron McGurk U15s 100m butterfly, Kieran Rookes U15s 100m breaststroke U13s 50m breaststroke and 50m freestyle. In the relay events the U13s boys did well coming first in both their medley and freestyle relays — Luke Stephens, Kieran Rookes, James Anderson and Stephen Attfield.
Tension was high with two relay races remaining Tavistock were trailing Barry. Both were won by Tavistock, women's 6 x 50m open freestyle – Kirsty Best, Holly Brimble, Natalie Greep, Charlotte Mellor, Holly Gibbs and Kathryn Stacey and men's 6 x 50m open freestyle – Michael Best, Nathaniel Rookes, Kieran Rookes, Cameron McGurk, Matt Edwards and Gareth Williams.
Also taking part were Gemma Arundel, Beth Thompson, Olivia Walker, Roseanne Milburn, Emily Attfield, Imogen Dickinson, Megan Groom, Chloe Marks, Elizabeth Teague, Kameron Brimble, Alexander Francis and for the first time Henry Ware and Ieuan Noakes.
Points first Tavistock 178, Barry 172, Ilfracombe 140, Bishopsworth 123 and Cwmbran 104.
After a second win in this series Tavistock will be swimming in the finals hoping to seek promotion to division two.
All new members are welcome, call Sheila Radgick on 01822 618272.