IN DECEMBER a depleted Otters team swam in a gala at Sidmouth. Due to some of their fastest swimmers being unavailable, Otters were beaten into fourth place by just three points.

The final results were: Sid Vale 299, Ilminster 240, Teignmouth 204, Otters 201, Bridport 97.

Four new club records were set. Johanna Cade in the 50m 12U backstroke (39.15.). Fifteen-year-old Andrew Smith also achieved a 50m backstroke record (36.27). Emma Pollard now holds the club record in the 11 years 50m breaststroke (48.03), Gareth Jones the 14U 50m butterfly (34.01).

First places were swum by the girls' 13U freestyle and medley relays teams; Simon Medlyn in the 14U 50m freestyle; Gareth Jones in his record breaking butterfly; Johanna Cade in 12U 50m freestyle.

Second places were achieved by Rebecca Rowe in both the 12U and 10U backstroke. Gareth Jones 14U individual medley; Aaron Diaz 13U backstroke; Simon Medlyn 14U backstroke; 12U girls' freestyle relay and boys' 14U medley relay.

Fourteen swimmers shared 21 personal bests between them: Gavin Best (2), Johanna Cade (3), David Dennis (2), Holley Dennis (2), Gareth Jones (2), Jessica Selley (2), Matthew Wise (1), Andrew Smith (1), Emma Pollard (1), Daniel Piddington (1), Simon Medlyn (1), Caroline Law (1), Aaron Diaz (1) and Caroline Friend (1).