ewton Abbot travelled to Clevedon for the first round of this year’s Speedo league; this was a very exciting gala,   with Newton Abbot, who had been lying just out in front of the 6 competing teams for most of the gala, being finally edged into 2nd place by the home side.

Once again it was Newton’s younger swimmers who laid the foundation for the team’s success, winning 5 of their 8 individual events and all 4 of the 11u relays. Abi Carne and George Fice won the Backstroke events, both in personal Best times; Lara Cosford the 50m Fly and Free, Tommy Whiting 50m Bst (PB).  The relay teams were completed by Laura Beth Morrison, Nicole Wickens, Tom Normington and Guy Bennett. The girls enjoyed an excellent win in the Medley relay finishing 11 seconds ahead of the field.

The 13u girls team (Jess Twose, Rachel Cooper, Sophie Jenkins, Lara Cosford) came 2nd in the Medley relay and in this age group Lewis Hailstone, Ryan Rogers, and Sophie Jenkins each secured one or more 2nd places. Tom Burford won the 100m Free in the 15u age group (PB) and Emma Garrett was 2nd in her race.  PBs were also achieved by: Becky Cooper, Rachel Cooper, Lewis Hailstone (2), Jess Twose, Catherine Bellamy, Ryan Rogers (2), Charlotte Wright, Sophie Jenkins and Gabriel Bailey.

There was further success for Newton in the Open Boys’ age group: Captain Richard Glanville came 2nd in the 100m IM (PB) and won the 100m Back.  Benjamin Jordan came 2nd in the 100m Fly and Max Morrison won the 100m Free.  Joined by Jon Trist, Glanville, Jordan and Morrison won the Medley Relay.   The Open Girls 6 x 50m Free Relay was another exciting event with 3 teams finishing on identical times.

Also competing for Newton Abbot were:- Hannah Barr, Ed Glanville, Sam Fice, Jess Shears and Jack Beer.