A group of Sid Vale Sharks swimmers who had achieved the qualifying times travelled to the new Life Centre in Plymouth, to take part in the Devon County ASA Sprint Gala.

It was the first chance to see the new venue and a very impressive facility it is, with its 50m pool and retractable floor.

The event took place in the 10-lane 25m pool and consisted of the swimmers having to participate in 50m races in all four strokes, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.

Swimmers who represented the club were - Girls 10yo - Isabelle Beech, Hannah Beglin, 11yo - Flora Hastie, Aimee Keast, 13yo - Asia Neill, 15yo - Jess Bendle and Hannah Domhof. The boys 11yo - Will Bugler, 12yo - Thomas Davy, Matthew Domhof, Jack Simmons, 16yo +, Ed Bugler. All the swimmers achieved a number of personal bests in their respective events.

Awards were given to the first three swimmers in each of the strokes and overall age group awards to highest six points scorers across all four strokes.

There were a number of impressive performances by our swimmers which resulted in victories for Ed Bugler in the 50m fly, 50m back, 50m freestyle and the overall winner in his age group. Hannah Domhof – second 50m fly and fourth overall, Jack Simmons – third 50m breast and fifth overall and Jess Bendle – sixth overall in her age group.

Other performances of note included top 10 finishes by Isabelle Beech - sixth 50m back and seventh 50m free, Hannah Beglin - seventh 50m back and fifth 50m breast and Will Bugler seventh – 50m fly and 10th 50m back.