While ultimate glory went to the North Burleigh SLSC from Queensland who surged to their third consecutive National IRB Championship, the performances of Kiama Down (second) and Caves Beach (third) showed that the gap is closing.
It was a just reward for the two proud NSW clubs who have each enjoyed a stellar season. NSW IRB Premiership and Championship winners, Kiama Downs continued their form into the weekend finishing with a gold medal in the Open Mixed Relay and Open Male Teams, and were second in Open Male Rescue.
Just as it is has been for most of the season a small margin of five points separated Caves Beach SLSC and their southern rivals. The Hunter based club won a silver medal in Open Male Mass and a bronze medal in Open Male Tube.
With over 500 athletes from 40 clubs competing at the Australian IRB Championships, NSW crews demonstrated amazing skills and effort throughout the weekend’s racing to have six clubs finish inside the coveted top 10 on the overall point score.
The Open Women’s Female Rescue team from North Cronulla won the second gold medal of the Championships for a NSW team, helping the Sydney club to a highly respectable fifth position on the overall tally.
Thirroul and Catherine Hill Bay tied in equal ninth position, while Woonona SLSC rounded out the top 10 with four points.
Both Catherine Hill Bay and Woonona picked up medals with the Open Male Rescue Team and Open Male Mass earning a bronze medal respectively.
In the annual Interstate Championships which were held on Friday, NSW improved on their 2015 performance to finish in second behind the juggernaut that is the Queensland IRB team.
It was a silver morning for the NSW team, finishing the Championships in second place in Open Mixed Relay, Open Male Rescue and Tube, and Open Female Rescue and Team.
Surf Life Saving NSW Sports Manager, Rob Pidgeon is delighted with the performance of the NSW clubs and felt that it was a reward for their dedication and training.
“I’m very proud of the results that our NSW Interstate team and clubs achieved over the weekend at Mollymook SLSC,” Rob Pidgeon said.
“Throughout the IRB season, all competitors showed amazing dedication to their sport, and a lot of this training will be used in summer to help keep our beaches safe.”
The Australian IRB Championships ran over three days from 22-24 July at Mollymook SLSC on the South Coast of NSW. The club also hosted the IRB Interstate Championships on the Friday morning.
Photos
Photos from the event can be viewed via Facebook.
Top 10 Pointscore
- North Burleigh SLSC - 35
- Kiama Downs SLSC - 21
- Caves Beach SLSC - 16
- Point Lookout SLSC - 16
- Kurrawa SLSC - 15
- North Cronulla SLSC - 13
- Williamstown Swimming and LSC - 10
- Alexandra Headland SLSC - 10
- Broadbeach SLSC - 9
- Dicky Beach SLSC - 9
Monday 25 July 2016