PICTURED here are Emma Power, Matt Hockin, Rob Brimmacombe and Darren Beer, four members of the Masters section of Crediton and District Swimming Club who competed at the Welsh open Masters Championships at Swansea in March.

Between them they won an impressive five firsts, three seconds and two thirds. This was in spite of a three-and-a-half-hour car journey and a night in the local Travelodge allowing for the Welsh support being very vocal after winning the Six Nations Rugby Grand Slams. However, they all enjoyed the experience of swimming in a long course pool.

On day one Darren (45-49 age group) won a silver medal in the 200m Individual Medley (2:37.76), followed by Matt (25-29 age group) and gaining silver in the 100m Freestyle (1:03.65).

Darren then swam a very difficult 200m Butterfly to win (2:44.00) in a championship record. This record has remained since 1996, so a great achievement.

To cap day one, both Emma (25-29 age group) and Rob (25-29 age group) won their 50m Breaststroke events in 40.25 and 35.47 respectively.

Following some refreshment and two hours sleep, they were ready for day two.

Darren kicked it off with a win in the 100m Butterfly (1:12.35), followed by Matt, Rob and Emma swimming in the 50m Freestyle with Emma winning silver (32.11) and Rob winning bronze (27.96).

Emma then knocked 12 seconds off her entry time in the 100m Breaststroke to come second (1:30.57).

Darren and Rob wrapped it up with a 50m Butterfly sprint, Darren winning gold (30.49) and Rob swimming an impressive 30.33.

All in all a very good weekend for all - congratulations from the club.