Victory in the pool for Torquay Leander

Torquay Leander successfully retained the East Devon Mini League for a second year. 

Torquay Leander entered the third and final round of the East Devon Mini League with a 60-point lead over Paignton, who were placed second followed by Exmouth in 3rd, Newton Abbot 4th, Dawlish 5th and Exeter in 6th. 

Exmouth kindly hosted the final round, which took place on the first Saturday of the Easter holidays, making squad selection for all clubs more limited with many swimmers away on holiday. 

The final round consisted of 55 races. Leander swimmers smashed it, winning 19 of the 55 events with superb performances from all the swimmers involved. 

The results for the day was:  6th Dawlish 138, 5th Paignton 155, 4th Newton Abbot 184, 3rd Exmouth 190, 2nd Exeter 206, 1st Torquay 250.

After all three Galas, the final results were: 6th Dawlish 309, 5th Exeter 343, 4th Newton Abbot 434, 3rd Exmouth 493, 2nd Paignton 520, 1st Torquay 675.

Head coach Neil West said: “Over the three rounds, our swimmers have shown that the strength and depth at Leander is fantastic, and we now look forward to trying to retaining the trophy for a third time next year.”

The team coaches, team managers, volunteers and parents all did their part to get the team to victory and is testament to the family friendly atmosphere within the club. 

Dom Loram, Torquay Leander Chairman, said: "We have such a family friendly feel throughout the entire club, whether at training or social events, which then translates on race day with support to our swimmers from all taking part and spectating.

“The club is in a fantastic place with the squad, coaching team and volunteers that we have. We have training sessions available six days a week for our swimmers to take part in. We don't pressure them to swim a minimum number of sessions to be part of the squad.

“Our coaches give up their time voluntarily to run these sessions for our swimmers and this epitomises the dedication and passion of our coaching team and all involved at the club."