Crews Get Chance To Impress

Illawarra Mercury

Saturday November 1, 2008

By TIM KEEBLE

REPRESENTATIVE spots will be up for grabs when the Warilla Bowls Surf Boat Series returns today at Woonona Beach.

Now in it's ninth season, the series attracts boat crews up and down the Illawarra and South Coast.

The region's leading competitors will be vying for places in the Illawarra, South Coast and Far South Coast teams for the annual NSW Inter-Branch championships in December.

"The opening round will be the only chance for open men and women crews to impress before the branch representative crews are selected," series co-ordinator John Masters said.

More than 80 crews between Helensburgh-Stanwell Park and Pambula have entered the 2008-09 series. Several clubs have undergone crew changes in the off-season and today's carnival will give everyone the chance to inspect the form of rivals.

The leading contenders in the open men are Bulli, Moruya, Austinmer Blue and Wollongong City, while reigning under 23 Australian champions Austinmer Blue are expected to be the benchmark in their division, with Warilla and Bulli Gold the main threats.

"One of the most pleasing things is a 50 per cent increase of crews in the under 19 division," Masters said.

"It's great to see because they're the future of our sport."

Masters said Warilla Bowls have been staunch supporters of the series.

"This is the ninth season that Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club has sponsored our series, and that's a great effort in these tough times," he said.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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