TAUNTON Dean Level 1 long course swimming gala was the destination for eight swimmers from Tavistock Swimming Club recently.

They competed in a total of 36 events and gained 18 top five places which included 12 top three finishes. The gala also gave Nathaniel Rookes and Luke Stephens the opportunity to compete in long course individual events for the first time.

Nathaniel achieved two excellent fourth place finishes in both the 50m and 100m backstroke, while in the 50m events Luke achieved first places in breaststroke and backstroke, second in butterfly and third in freestyle.

Matt Edwards was competing in his favoured freestyle events and was rewarded for his good swims with first places in 100m and 400m freestyle and second places in 200m and 1500m freestyle. James Anderson was also first in his age group for the 1500m freestyle, which was supported by a third place in the 200m butterfly and two fifth places finishes.

Kieran Rookes also achieved first place finishes in both the 50m and 100m breaststroke events and a fourth place in the 50m freestyle. Harry Thompson, Beth Thompson and Jessamy Clemens raced in the highly competitive 50m and 100m events, to earn themselves good times.

Head coach James Lake said: 'We went to the competition to give our swimmers the experience of racing at high level and long course. Not only did they achieve many PBs but also many medal positions. It turned out to be a great weekend and an opportunity to expand things for our club.'

If you are interested in joining Tavistock Swimming Club, please visit the Tavistock swimming club website http://www.tavsc.co.uk/">http://www.tavsc.co.uk/ and 'contact us'.