A number of NSW surf lifesavers will have to fork out for extra baggage at Adelaide Airport after a strong performance at the Australian Pool Rescue Championships in the South Australian capital over the weekend.


NSW were represented by an extremely strong contingent in this highly technical sport over the three days, and although they didn’t claim overall honours in the club championship there was still plenty to celebrate.



Terrigal (218 points) was the best performed NSW based club finishing third overall in the Open standings behind the dynamic Queensland duo of Currumbin Beach Vikings and Maroochydore, while Newport and Umina also finished in the top five.



Bulli, Avoca Beach, and Warilla-Barrack Point also impressed to finish inside the top 20 which reinforces the depth of talent within NSW at present.



There were a number of outstanding swims across the weekend with Rachel Wood, Davara Marshall, Kimberly Doyle and Keeley Booth particularly impressive. 



Booth and Wood dominated the U19 Age Group with 12 medals between them including six gold, and would certainly be comfortable in the pool that they will return to as members of the Australian Youth team later this year. 



The future of the sports looks particularly bright in NSW with Terrigal and Newport enjoying plenty of success in the relays. 



In the line-throw Newport (U12 Boys) were first past the post, while Terrigal were crowned champions in the 50-59 Male Masters event (Australian Record) as well as the U15 Male division. 



Not to be outdone, Umina took home three Australian titles in the line-throw with gold in the Female 30-39, U19 Female, and U17 Male races.



Terrigal’s Paul Lemmon was the stand-out Masters athlete adding another 8 gold medals and 6 Australian Records to add to his already impressive CV, with club mate Linda Redfern and the Umina Masters also performing strongly.



There was disappointment in the annual representative competition as a late surge from Western Australia on the event’s final day was enough to relegate NSW to third place on the podium behind champions Queensland.



NSW started the competition strong including an Australian Record Swim in the U14/15. Obstacle Relay, but were eventually reeled in by the juggernaut that is Queensland.



“While it was disappointing not to win Interstate the NSW athletes certainly gave their best efforts and we couldn’t be prouder of their performance,” said Surf Sport Manager Rob Pidgeon. 



“To have three clubs finish in the top-five at Aussies is a wonderful result, and it has been a fantastic end to the domestic pool season for our athletes who can now enjoy a brief rest before looking ahead to the summer season and world championships as well,” he concluded. 



For further information about the 2018 Australian Pool Rescue Championships Click Here 



 



Monday 6 August 2018