It came down to a nail-biting final relay to determine who would claim victory in the Interstate Surf Boat Championships at Elouera Beach on Friday. NSW successfully defended the title for another year.
public://video_embed_field_thumbnails/youtube/dN0HL-bC0ks.jpg
a:1:{s:7:"handler";s:7:"youtube";}
Going into the final relay event, NSW and Victoria were tied on equal points with traditional rivals Queensland hot on their heels. South Australia and Western Australia also fielded full teams for this year’s challenge.
Racing for double points, the eight-leg all division relay could have gone anyone’s way with the lead boat changing a number of times during the race. The NSW team showed great fight, rowing solidly in each leg to come across the line in first place.
The crews competing for NSW this year were deserving of their place in the team after amassing points at various selection carnivals throughout the season.
North Cronulla SLSC demonstrated its depth in surf boats by having four crews selected to compete. National Club of the Year, Avalon Beach SLSC, fielded two junior crews with Palm Beach and Elouera rounding out the team.
NSW Team Manager Greg Heard said while all the crews performed solidly, it was the way the team came together and worked as one that made the difference to the result.
“It was great to see these clubs who are usually competing against each other, join forces to take on some of the best crews from around the country.
“Everyone supported each other, encouraging and cheering on the other crews when it was their turn to race. The atmosphere and excitement on the beach was great,” said Greg Heard.
NSW Team
Open Men – North Cronulla
Open Women – Elouera
Reserve Men – North Cronulla
Reserve Women – Palm Beach
Under 23 Men – North Cronulla
Under 23 Women – North Cronulla
Under 19 Men – Avalon Beach
Under 19 Women – Avalon Beach
Interstate Placings
- NSW
- Victoria
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Western Australia