DRSA

Devonport finished the year on a high with a fine win in the third round of the Speedo league on Saturday 8th December. Bristol Penguins, Carms B, Monnow and Ilfracombe were Devonport’s opposition. Devonport began their winning form with the first event, the open 100m IM. Jess Fennell went on to take wins in the 15 and under 100m butterfly and 100m freestyle, she also battled on the final leg of the 6 x 50m open freestyle relay to take another outstanding win. Devonport never looked back. Further winning performances came from the girls 11 and under freestyle relay team, Rachel Ward, Connie McGregor, Bethany Ward and Kirsty Dinham. Kirsty went on to add the 11 and under 50m butterfly and 50m breaststroke to her winning tally. Rachel Ward also claimed a further win in the 11 and under 50m freestyle.

The girls 13 and under 4 x 50m medley team consisting of Rebecca Ward, Sinead Davies, Laura Moreno-Chamorro and Victoria Philpot took this event in fine style! The same team also claimed a great win in the 4 x 50m freestyle relay. Again, individual performances from Sinead Davies in the 50m breaststroke gained Devonport valuable points. Also from this winning team, Rebecca Ward took first place in the 50m backstroke.

The atmosphere was building as we continued to impress, Chris Philpot clinched the 15 and under 100m backstroke. After 26 events, Devonport were in front with 90 points, Bristol Penguins followed with 83 points and Ilfracombe with 79 points. Jo Holder swam a great race to take top spot in the open 100m breaststroke this was matched in the mens event by Steve Clench who was a convincing winner. Sam Bowden was again in fine form taking the 13 and under 50m freestyle. Ryan Moreno-Chamorro also swam a strong race to claim the 15 and under 100m breaststroke. As the final two relays approached, spectators were treated to some fantastic swimming. With the ladies open freestyle relay team of Denise Ward, Jade Leeke, Abbey Ward, Louise Brightwell, Jo Holder and Jess Fennell storming to a first place. The mens open relay team were not to be outdone; Danny Banks led the team, followed by Jordan Nicholson, Tom Mermagen, Chris Philpot, Nat Chartres and Steve Clench who claimed another win in the last event of the gala, finishing as we had started.

Devonport took a strong band of dedicated supporters who had much to shout about. The final positions meant Devonport were runaway winners. The points tally (before adjustments for five teams) had Devonport in first place with 185 points; Bristol Penguins finished 24 points adrift with 161 points, followed by Ilfracombe with 153 points, Monnow 126 points and Carms B 103 points. It was an excellent evening’s swimming to finish 2007. Well done to every swimmer! Thanks as always go to the officials and coaches for whom we are so grateful – Well Done Devonport!