Austinmer Blue Too Strong In Battle Of Big Surfboat Teams
Illawarra Mercury
Monday January 14, 2008
GEORGE Bass marathon survivors Batemans Bay made a surprise appearance in the third round of the Warilla Bowls Surf Boat series at Port Kembla Beach, but Austinmer Blue took the honours with a heat win and victory in the final.
Just seven days after competing in the most gruelling 190km George Bass marathon in history, the Bay showed plenty of resilience to finish a gallant third in Saturday's open men's final.The light conditions ensured close competition in all divisions for the 71 crews, with favourites Austinmer and Wollongong City winning their preliminary rounds in the open men's.In a tight final, Austinmer Blue held out a fast-finishing Wollongong City, with the Bay a close third.In the open women's event, Windang consolidated their narrow lead with a hard-fought win over Austinmer and Batemans Bay in the final. Australian champions Bulli Gold showed their class in the reserve division, taking the preliminary round and scoring a solid win from Austinmer White and Batemans Bay in the final.In the under 23 men's division, Austinmer Blue showed they are hitting form at the right end of the season, with a convincing win in the final. Austinmer beat Broulee and new boys Gerringong in the final, with series leaders Bulli Gold fifth, but still holding the overall lead after three rounds. Warilla-Barrack Point's under 23 women continued their dominance, while the under 19s provided a minor upset with Bulli Maroon strong winners from Mollymook and series leaders Bulli Gold.The final round of the series is at Warilla Beach on February 23.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury
