DRSA

Devonport’s club championships drew to a close with twenty-four new records over the four weeks of competition. Alongside this, many personal best times were recorded. Some long standing records were replaced this year as the standard of swimming continues to be impressive. It’s great to see the younger swimmers take part for some; this is their first experience of a gala.

Finlay Bowden set two new records in the 25m backstroke (21.92) and 25m butterfly (21.32). He also clinched the top spot in the 25m freestyle and 25m breaststroke. Rhiannon Davies in the same age group took three new records 22.45 was set for the 25m butterfly, 20.26 for the 25m freestyle and a time of 21.51 for her efforts in the 25m backstroke. Rhiannon was also in first place for the 25m breaststroke. In the 9 to 10 age group Connor Andrews claimed first place in all four stroke categories over 50m. He also clinched the backstroke, freestyle and breaststroke over 100m. Connie McGregor was in winning form taking the 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke and 100m individual medley. Chloe Thompson also took first in the 50m butterfly, 50m breaststroke and 100m freestyle in the same age group. Aimee O’Halloran clinched the 100m breaststroke in this age group. Along with Bethany Ward who took the 50m freestyle title.

In the 11-12 age group, Sam Bowden had four club records, including the 50m freestyle (30.06), 100m freestyle (1.10.54), 100m IM (1.20.65) and 50m butterfly (36.45). Sam added the 50m and 100m breaststroke and 50m and 100m backstroke to his winning tally. Sinead Davies claimed two new records for the 100m breaststroke (1.31.53) and 50m butterfly (35.45). Sinead also went on to take the 50m breaststroke and 100m IM titles, alongside the 200m breaststroke championship trophy. Rebecca Ward claimed a record in the 50m backstroke (37.24) and went on to take the 100m backstroke, 50m and 100m freestyle in this age group. Angus Robertson and Victoria Philpot both claimed the 100m butterfly titles.

The 13-14 years age group saw Nat Chartres take three records, notably the 50m freestyle (28.09), 50m backstroke (33.34) and 100m freestyle (1.02.17). Nat also took the 50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke, 100m backstroke and 100m breaststroke titles. Laura Moreno-Chamorro took seven titles for her efforts in the 50m freestyle, backstroke and butterfly. The 100m freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and IM. Aaron Nicholson took the 100m butterfly. Jessica Summers-Evans claimed the 100m breaststroke and Amy McEvoy the 50m breaststroke in this age group.

The 15-16 age group saw the most records re-written, with Jess Fennell taking five records for the 50m freestyle (29.76), 50m butterfly (34.48), 100m butterfly (1.20.15), 100m freestyle (1.05.72) and 200m butterfly (2.56.82). Jess also took the 100m IM, 50m backstroke, 200m freestyle, 200m IM, 400m freestyle and 400m IM titles. Chris Philpot took three new records for the 50m freestyle (27.09), 100m freestyle (59.67) and 50m backstroke (32.26). Also in the 15-16 age group, Ryan Moreno-Chamorro clinched two new records for the 50m breaststroke (35.67) and 100m breaststroke (1.18.21). Ryan also took the 200m breaststroke championship trophy. Tom Mermagen claimed the 200m freestyle and butterfly championship titles, alongside the 50m and 100m butterfly and 400m freestyle events. Jordan Nicholson took the 200m championship backstroke, the 100m, 200m and 400m IM and 100m backstroke title. Jade Leeke claimed the 50m and 100m breaststroke titles and Abby McBeath the 100m backstroke.

The 17 and over age group saw Adam Wilkins take the 50m backstroke and freestyle, alongside the 100m freestyle, backstroke and IM events. Nicola Stepp had the 50m breaststroke and backstroke, the 100m breaststroke and backstroke and then added the championship 200m backstroke to her winning form. Denise Ward swam some great races and took the 50m and 100m butterfly and 100m IM title. Also in the 17 and over category, Tom Wills clinched the 50m and 100m breaststroke titles. Many thanks for the organisation of these events go to Linda Davies, Barry Wilkins and the dedicated parents and coaches who make these galas possible. Thanks go to all the participating swimmers who gave such a good account of themselves. Well done!