Everyone Chasing Austi At Shellharbour
Illawarra Mercury
Saturday December 6, 2008
SEVERAL crews are tipped to throw down the challenge to open men's favourites Austinmer Blue in today's second round of the Warilla Bowls Surf Boat Series at Shellharbour.
The vastly experienced Austinmer outfit drew first blood with a typically strong performance in round one at Woonona.Austi will be confident of picking up where they left off, but they can expect stiff opposition from Moruya, Wollongong City, Corrimal and main rivals Bulli Gold."With the season now in full swing, we're anticipating about 80 crews turning up," series co-ordinator John Masters said."The competition in all divisions is likely to be of a very high standard if the first round and the recent Mollymook Classic carnival are any indication."As always, Austinmer will feel good about their chances, but they're sure to be kept honest throughout the day."The open women's division should provide some of the closest racing, with Corrimal on a mission to make amends for their narrow loss to Austinmer Blue at Mollymook. Austinmer White are bound to apply plenty of pressure, as will the Moruya Viqueens.The reserve division is wide open, while Batemans Bay, Moruya, Bulli Gold and Austinmer White will chase national champions Austinmer Blue in the under 23 men's event."We expect Austinmer's biggest threat to come from Warilla-Barrack Point, Bulli Gold and Corrimal," Masters predicted."Like the Bulli and Moruya open men's crews, the Austinmer boys will use this round as a good hit-out before the Ocean Thunder series resumes next weekend."Warilla-Barrack Point Chatterboxes, Helensburgh-Stanwell Park and Broulee are the leading contenders in the under 23 women's competition.Bulli Gold, Batemans Bay, Port Kembla and Warilla will fight out the under 19 men's.The best chances in the veterans class are Helensburgh-Stanwell Park, Gerringong, Pambula and round-one winners Woonona.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury
