An enthusiastic team of swimmers from Sid Vale Swimming Club attended a friendly inter-club gala at Exmouth pool.

An enthusiastic team of swimmers from Sid Vale Swimming Club attended a friendly inter-club gala at Exmouth pool. They were swimming against five other clubs: Exmouth, Dawlish, Exeter City, Ilfracombe and Torquay Leander. Due to a combination of illness and injuries, the Sidmouth team was without five swimmers which resulted in pressure in some age groups who had to swim in successive races. All swimmers showed determination and produced some truly valiant swims. The team finished fourth overall which showed a good group performance especially as not all were able to swim their chosen strokes.There were five children in the 10 and under age group who were competing for the first time. Tom Woodruffe, Abigail Pearse, Mark Pearse, Matthew Domhof and Zachary Hawes all swam well with no disqualifications. This is quite an achievement, as the dives, turns and finishes can be difficult to master and take constant practice and development.There were further notable performances from Katie Tipton in the 14U 50 m Backstroke (1st), Bethany Faulkner 16U Butterfly (2nd), Hebe Goddard 16U Freestyle (2nd), Julia Walkden Open Freestyle (1st), Jack Faulkner 14U Freestyle (1st), Sam Cavin 12U Butterfly (2nd) and Rachel Cavin 10U Freestyle (2nd).Other swimmers who put in a great performance were: Jonathon Surtees, Alfie Keen, Cathryn Surtees, Fin Cawthera, Ellie Cawthera and Tom Palmer who swam in races other than their favourite strokes. The rest of the team was made up by Poppy Wood, Sasha Colwill, Daisy Keen, Aaron Webber, Amy Dormond, Emily Woodruffe, Joe Cox and Tanya Marriott, who all put in a huge effort and swam good times. The relay races at the end of the evening saw superb swims from the 16 and Under Girls who won their Freestyle relay as well as coming second in their Medley relay. There were strong swims from the 12 and Under Boys in Freestyle Relay (2nd) and Medley (2nd).The club owes a debt of gratitude to Asia, James and Richard from Honiton Swimming Club who helped everyone out on the night by swimming with the Sidmouth team.The coaches were impressed again with the team spirit shown by the young swimmers who supported each other and cheered each swimmer on. They were particularly pleased that all swimmers managed to remain in their costumes, unlike one unfortunate young man from an opposing team, who managed to swim right out of his trunks! The Sidmouth swimmers are showing that regular training and commitment to the club pays dividends in terms of improving performances and a good time enjoyed by all participants. Well done everyone.