Devon Interclub Gala

Devon Interclub Gala 2014. Runners-up: Exeter City. Photograph © Richard Davies

The Devon Interclub Gala at Plymouth's Life Centre on Sunday 13 April represented the culmination of a series of county events. Celebrating its 120th anniversary, Devon ASA took the opportunity also to showcase other water sports, including water polo and synchronised swimming (for which Exeter Synchro gave a farewell performance).

Swimming got underway after a rendition of the national anthem and a parade by the 12 participating clubs. Exeter competed superbly throughout, with top-3 finishes in 29 of the 37 events, and demonstrated strength in depth with second place in each of the relay events. It was always going to be hard to challenge the reigning national champions, but Exeter made Plymouth Leander fight to the end, and kept the gap to single digits until beyond the halfway stage. The final result was a comfortable second place, well ahead of some strong competition from across the county.

Among many excellent swims, there were individual wins for Milly Kendall (50m free & 50m fly), Tom Downs (100m fly), Liam White (100m back) and Dominic Wooldridge (100m fly).