Port Macquarie SLSC was top of the table for Mid North Coast clubs finishing the competition in a highly creditable 25th spot overall.
In what shapes as an encouraging sign for the future it was their youngest competitors who won the Mid North Coast’s powerhouse opening gold medal.
Jesse Andrews, Joseph Carrick, Lucas Scott, and Lewis Shipway joined forces in the U9 Beach Relay where they scorched the sand to be crowned state champions. Club mates Jaidyn Rossiter and Fleur Sherlock were both finalists in their respective Flag Competitions, while the U14 Female Relay Team also demonstrated pure speed when they reached the final of what is traditionally a highly competitive age group.
Ty-Jesse Brabant and Jesse Hiatt combined forces to win silver in the U13 Board Rescue; Port Macquarie’s lone medal in water disciplines though Harry Askew (U11 Ironman and Surf Race) went close to ending that streak when he finished an agonising fourth in both events.
Competing in her first ever state titles Cleo Schubert highlighted her grit and determination when she made it through to the final in the U9 Surf Race.
Tacking Point’s Tyse Thrower went within a wave of claiming bronze in the U10 Board Race ultimately having to settle for fourth spot while Sarah Stewart from Wauchope-Bonny Hills battled the wind and sand to finish a highly impressive 5th in the U14 Female 2KM Beach run.
NSW Surf Sports Manager Rob Pidgeon felt that despite the challenges of the weather and the conditions it was a highly successful competition for the young athletes.
“I would like to congratulate everyone for what was an extremely successful State Age Championships. It was certainly played in the right spirit, and all the Nippers, their families, and their clubs can look back with pride on what has been a fantastic surf sport season.
“Some of our older Nipper competitors will now go on to get their first taste of national level racing at next month’s Australian Championships while our younger ones can look forward to an exciting finish with their club season,” Mr Pidgeon said.
2017 Age Championship Club Point Score:
• Manly LSC 349
• Wanda SLSC 201
• Elouera SLSC 194
• Cooks Hill SLSC 192
• Swansea Belmont SLSC 135
• North Curl Curl SLSC 107
• North Bondi SLSC 94
• Coogee SLSC 94
• Cronulla SLSC 90
• South Maroubra SLSC 89
Wednesday 8 March 2017