DRSA

Devonport had a lengthy journey to Bournemouth for the first round of the Speedo League. We took a full squad of swimmers to the six team competition. Alongside Devonport were Torquay Leander, Paignton, West Wiltshire, Christchurch and Bournemouth B. Devonport took several wins throughout the evening. Notably Rebecca Ward in the 11 and under 50m Backstroke, Nat Chartres in the 50m Breastroke, Rebekah James took top spot in the 11 and under 50m Butterfly and Sinead Davies was in strong form taking the 11 and under 50m Breastroke.

At the halfway stage, Devonport were in 4th place overall with only 12 points between 2nd and 4th spot. The girls 11 and under medley relay team took a first place against tough competition, Rebekah James, Victoria Philpot, Sinead Davies, and Alex Lynch.

Some exciting finishing edged Holly Smith into second spot in the 13 and under 50m Butterfly. The girls 15 and under medley relay team were also placed second in a tight finish, Sam Wilkes, Jade Leeke, Abbey Ward and Abby McBeath. In addition, the boys 15 and under medley relay team matched the girls performance and were unlucky not to take top spot, Jordan Nicholson, Danny Banks, Ryan Moreno-Chamorro and Chris Philpot.

As the gala concluded, Devonport had narrowed the points gap and although remained in 4th spot overall with 177 points, Paignton who finished as runners up had their lead cut to just five points. The final positions saw Christchurch Seagulls take first with a runaway 238 points, Paignton with 182 points, shaded into third were Bournemouth B with 180 points, Devonport with 177 points, followed by West Wiltshire with 150 points and Torquay Leander completed the final positions in sixth with 117 points.

Many thanks must go to Terry and Caroline, together with our poolside officials for their continuing encouragement and expertise for our swimmers.