DRSA

The first round of the National Swimming League (formally the Speedo League) saw Devonport taking the long trip to Frome. Our opposition were Bournemouth, Gillingham, Bishopsworth and Wells and Shepton Mallet. Devonport took four first places. The first from the Men’s Open medley relay, Jordan Nicholson, Ryan Moreno-Chamorro, Tom Mermagen and Nat Chartres, who initially thought they had come second but after a couple of disqualifications the result changed in our favour. Other winners were the boy’s 11/U medley relay team who had a similar experience. They were the only team to finish without being disqualified, so well done to Oliver Holdsworth, Sam Roberts, Finley Bowden and Jack Crocker for swimming so well.

In the individual events Aimee O’Halloran had a fantastic win in the 11/U 50m breaststroke and Nat Chartres stormed down the final length to take first in the 15/U 100m freestyle.

Other great swims came from Katherine Sewell who took second place in the 11/U 50m backstroke; this was followed by Sam Roberts in the same event. In the Open 100m butterfly Jess Fennel was unlucky to finish second in a very close race for the top two positions. She also took a good second place in the Open 100m freestyle. Jordan Nicholson also came a close second in the Open 100m backstroke and Jason Fotopoulos swam well to take second place in the 13/U 50m butterfly. The girls 13/U freestyle relay team, Rebecca Ward, Lauren Parker, Rachel Ward and Victoria Philpot had a great swim to take second place and the Ladies open 6 x 50m freestyle relay team, Denise Ward, Lauren Parker, Louise Brightwell, Abbey Ward, Jade Leeke and Jess Fennel also came second in a tight race for the top three placings.There were many other close races with our swimmers just missing out on second place.

From early in the competition Devonport were in third place and kept this position throughout. The final scores were Bournemouth 189, Wells and Shepton Mallet 180, Devonport 131, Bishopsworth 119 and Gillingham 92.

Well done to all our swimmers for competing so well, especially after such a long coach journey.

Many thanks also to our team officials, Victoria Bowden. Mike Moreno-Chamorro, Andy McGregor and Alan Stoneman. Also to the supporters, who had to stand all evening, but still cheered our team on.

A special note from Victoria: Although the venue this time wasn’t great and the water visibility was poor the swimmers performance was the complete opposite. All swimmers showed tremendous controlled aggression and determination in every race and dug in deep to the very end .This was also commented on by parents who attended . The swimmers performances made me very proud. Well done to you all .

Victoria