Young surf lifesavers from across the Illawarra had a weekend to remember at the 2018 NSW Age Surf Life Saving Championships held at Blacksmiths Beach last weekend, returning with an impressive haul of medals and plenty of happy memories.
Together Illawarra clubs netted 15 medals throughout the 3-day-competition as the Lake Macquarie beach proved again a happy hunting ground for the region’s rising talent.
Bulli SLSC flew the flag for local clubs finishing in a creditable 21st position overall with 5 medals.
They were led by Lucas Ottaway who finished his Nippers career in the best possible fashion taking silver in the U14 Surf Race and bronze in the Ironman, while club mate Chelsea Jones claimed bronze in the U13 Surf Race.
Bulli also enjoyed success in the team events with the U14 Male Surf and U14 Mixed Cameron Relay both finishing in third place on the podium.
Helensburgh-Stanwell Park’s reputation as a beach force gained further momentum with the club taking home four medals during the competition. Sabina Rogers finished with two individual silver medals in the U13 Beach Sprint and Flag events finishing ahead of club mate Madison Agnew who took bronze in the sprint.
The duo then ended their weekend on a high combining with Abby Bailey and Mia Corliss to finish with a gold medal in the U13 Beach Sprint Relay.
There was more joy for Illawarra athletes on the sand with Towradgi SLSC bringing home three medals.
Beau Anderson (U12 Beach Flags), Ashton Neall (U13 Beach Sprint), and Emma Walsh (U12 Beach Sprint) all stood on the podium with silver medals draped around their necks.
Rounding off a strong weekend for the region was the U13 Male Beach Flag Final where Tobias Delaney (Wollongong City), and Levi Sommers (Corrimal) won the silver and bronze medals respectively and in the process won their club’s sole state medals for the competition.
NSW Surf Sports Manager Rob Pidgeon said that 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.
“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.
2018 Age Championship Club Point Score
- Elouera SLSC - 179
- Newport SLSC - 174
- Cooks Hill SLSC - 172
- Cronulla SLSC- 165
- Manly LSC - 165
- Wanda SLSC - 160
- North Curl Curl SLSC -159
- Coogee SLSC - 149
- North Bondi SLSC - 140
- Swansea Belmont SLSC - 132
Wednesday 7 March 2018