Davenport puts Britain before England

MELBOURNE, Mar 17 (Reuters) England's Ross Davenport hailed the achievements of British swimmers at the Commonwealth Games after winning the men's 200 metres freestyle today.

Davenport took full advantage of Ian Thorpe's enforced absence due to illness while Matthew Clay just pipped training partner Liam Tancock for victory in the 50 metres backstroke as England brought more swimming success to the British teams.

Scotland's Caitlin McClatchey and David Carry both won gold medals yesterday's opening day as Australia's vaunted swimmers fell flat.

''It's been fantastic for Britain,'' said Davenport, who edged out fellow Englishman and close friend Simon Burnett to win gold on his Games debut.

''We've shown the Australians in their backyard what we can do.

We've not been afraid to go out there and take them on.'' Davenport paid special tribute to McClatchey, who stunned Australia's Libby Lenton in the women's 200 metres freestyle to bring a swift end to her bid for a record seven gold medals.

''We noticed our (British) girls in the 200 last night,'' Davenport said. ''They weren't afraid to take on these so-called Australian superstars and show them what they're made of.

''Caitlin did a fantastic job.'' Davenport credited his golden performance to his new-found mental toughness.

''I didn't 100 percent believe that I could win this race,'' said the 21-year-old student. ''That's probably a fault of mine in the past.

''I used to be like a little scared pup in the past but I changed the way I approach swimming. Now I look at these events as an opportunity, not something to be scared of.'' Davenport's time of one minute 47.29 seconds was over three seconds outside Thorpe's world record but his sights are already set on the world's biggest stage at the 2008 Olympics.

''We're excited about Beijing, with Simon and the rest of the British guys,'' said Davenport. ''I think we can really do something there and shock a few people.'' REUTERS DH PM1839