On International Women’s Day it was fitting that the women took centre stage at Blacksmiths Beach with the performance of a group of women from the small club of Toowoon Bay playing a significant role in propelling the Central Coast club into second position on the overall point score.
Rosalind Chugg claimed 4 medals (including 2 gold) for Toowoon on opening day while Mei-Ling Venning secured herself 3 gold medals in the 70 and Over Age Group after recording victory in the 1KM Beach Run, Beach Sprint and Beach Flag events.
Nadine Cadding continued on her run of success at Masters taking out gold in the Women’s 30-34 Surf Race although there weren’t many races conducted in the water today after the decision was made to suspend competition due to the conditions.
While the wind made conditions made it challenging for the athletes the lack of water events meant that the entire beach program was able to be completed.
Lisa Wright (Dixon Park) took out a highly competitive 30-34 sprint, Davina Strauss (Coledale) was crowned 35-39 year champion and Kristyn Monnock (Mona Vale) the 40-44 race.
In the Flags Kylie Stewart (Queenscliff) won the 45-49 event, Windang’s Kaye Norris was the victor in the 50-54 competition while Valoria Crick (Bellambi) took gold in the 60-64 event.
There were a number of strong performances in the men’s events with the appropriately named Keiran Speed (Bondi) scorching the sand as he ran his way to gold in the 70+ 1KM Beach Run, Hunter competitors had reason to cheer when Tea Gardens – Hawks Nest Anthony Logue claimed gold in 65-69 Beach Run, while Redhead’s Adam Rowe (30-34) beat Greg Tobin in the one of the only Ski Races to start.
After watching her son win gold for Swansea in the U11s 1KM Beach Run last week, Angela Leadbeatter blitzed the field to win the gold medal in the Female 40-44 2KM Run. The hosts also earned a bronze medal in the 35-39 Male Surf Race through Ryan Cook.
Former Sports Minister, Senator and current President of Athletics Australia Mark Arbib demonstrated his talent on the sand when he took home gold in the 45-49 2KM Beach Run for his club Bronte.
Overall Point Score Masters – Day 1
Queenscliff SLSC 189
Toowoon Bay SLSC 102
North Bondi SLSC 89
Coogee SLSC 68
Wanda SLSC 59
Wednesday 8 March 2017