Devonport Royal Swimming Association’s news and other information
The Speedo League division three final took place at the comfortable facilities of Hutton Moor, Western-Super-Mare on Saturday 10 December. This is the second consecutive year Devonport have qualified for the final, finishing in the top third of the league. We took a strong squad to the eight team final. Other participating teams included Oddicombe, Weymouth, Pontypool, Carn Brea, Tavistock, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent. The boys thirteen and under Freestyle relay team took a thrilling first place, (Tom Morse, Tom Mermagen, Nat Chartres and Chris Philpot,) alongside a strong third place in the medley relay. Tom Morse continued his recent excellent form finishing a tight second in the thirteen and under 50m Backstroke. Holly Smith gave a good account finishing third in the thirteen and under 50m Butterfly. The points tally after 26 of the 50 events showed Blaenau Gwent in front with 178 points, Torfaen 154 and Oddicombe following with 147. Devonport were amongst the tightly fought concluding placings. Nicky Stepp swam in both the fifteen and under 100m Butterfly and the ladies open 100m Butterfly proving her strength and stamina once again. Many races were closely contested. In several instances hundredths of a second separated third place and eighth place. This proved the quality of swimming. Every swimmer gave their best and many personal best times were recorded, it was a pleasure to watch. The final placings saw Blaenau Gwent finish first. Devonport were in seventh place, a steady improvement on our final placing last year. We continue to grow as a team and the spirit amongst our swimmers is notable to all who spectate. Many thanks to our dedicated coaches and poolside helpers, who throughout the year have provided encouragement and dedication to our swimmers. Well done and we can look forward to Devonport’s continuing success.