TAVISTOCK Swimming Club set out with great determination to be the victors in their first home gala at Meadowlands against Devonport Royal, Ilfracombe and RNRM on Saturday.
It turned out to be an enjoyable event, with an excellent atmosphere and good sportsmanship in evidence. Tavistock took an early lead which they maintained until a few events before the finish when Ilfracombe drew level, then took the lead.
With excitement mounting and all to swim for in the final races, Tavistock and Ilfracombe battled it out for first place. Rachael Kelly, Nicholas Jarman, Caroline Ball and William Crocker pulled out all the stops in the 14/u 4x50m mixed medley relay, giving Tavistock a convincing win.
Richard Freedman, Megan Fell, Christopher Ralph and Philippa Smith (girls' captain) followed with another win in the 16/u 4x50m mixed freestyle relay, giving Tavistock a narrow lead.
With all resting on the final 8x25m mixed cannon freestyle relay, there was an anxious moment as it became apparent that Tavistock were going to take third in the race with Devonport Royal and Ilfracombe battling it out to touch first.
Tavistock supporters breathed a sigh of relief when Devonport Royal's swimmer touched first by 23/100th of a second, making Tavistock and Ilfracombe joint winners with 140 points each, followed by Devonport Royal 115 points and RNRM 91 points.
Earlier in the gala Tavistock had great success in the 100m IM events with Richard Freedman (boys' captain) winning the 16/u boys, Rebecca Mills 12/u girls, Caroline Ball 14/u girls, Christopher Ralph 14/u boys. Violet Taylor then swam an excellent 50m in the 10/u freestyle to touch first.
The 14/u 100m fly saw William Crocker swim strongly to take first place. Richard Freedman had his second win in the 16/u 100m back, winning easily and going on to take a third, convincing win in the 16/u 100m fly.
Rebecca Mills went on to claim a further eight points for Tavistock by winning in both the 12/u 50m freestyle and 12/u 50m fly in impressive style.
Sebastian Lee took an early lead in the 14/u 100m back, increasing the lead throughout the race to the finish. Christopher Ralph had to battle it out with the Devonport Royal swimmer in the 16/u 100m breast but managed to pull ahead and touch first for Tavistock.
Squad members (with personal best times achieved) Philippa Smith (2), Richard Freedman (2, one of which was a Western Counties qualifying time), Rebecca Mills (3), Jake Broome (1), Caroline Ball (2), Christopher Ralph (1), Violet Taylor (1), Kirsty Best (1), Alison Kelly (1), Hannah Ball (2), Tom Crocker (1), Greg Barnes (1), Rachael Kelly (1), Marc Kerswill (1), Nicholas Jarman (1), Megan Fell (1), Amy Warnett, Holly Chinn, Michael Best, William Crocker, Jessica Barnes, Millie Chinn, Joshua Stephens, Alice Warnett, Sebastian Lee.
Tim Exley and Joshua Hughes, both representing Tavistock for the first time on Saturday, swam extremely well. Swimmer of the Gala certificate was awarded to Rebecca Mills.
Head coach Paul Chinn said it was encouraging to see strong performances through the entire age range. Thanks to all the officials who made the event run smoothly. Anyone wishing to join Tavistock Swimming Club can contact Paul Chinn on 01822 810168.