Moruya Master Elements To Take Surf Boat Round

Illawarra Mercury

Monday December 8, 2008

By TIM KEEBLE

THE Moruya Viqueens mastered unpredictable conditions to win the open women's division in Saturday's second round of the Warilla Bowls Surf Boat Series at Shellharbour.

After narrowly losing to main rivals Austinmer in round one, the Moruya crew was determined to make amends.

But Corrimal ultimately went into the final as favourites after winning all three preliminary rounds.

The Viqueens saved their best for the main event, winning a closely fought race from Corrimal and the Woonona Bridesmaids.

Family bragging rights were up for grabs in the open men's final, as Austinmer Blue sweep Jack Patison went head-to-head with the man who taught him everything - Austinmer White sweep Dennis Patison.

Patison jnr guided his experienced crew to victory, with Austi White second and Bulli Gold third.

"We had a fairly flat surf throughout the early rounds, but the southerly change came and conditions went downhill," series co-ordinator John Masters said.

"Crews ended up having to contend with choppy seas and a strong wind in the final, but overall competition in all divisions was very strong and everyone had a solid hit-out leading up to the Christmas break."

Batemans Bay were unstoppable in the reserve division, finishing the preliminary races undefeated before taking out the final ahead of Wollongong City Maroon and Gerringong Naps.

The under 23 men's division was an all-day celebration for Austinmer Blue. The reigning Australian champions won all three early races before prevailing in the final, with Bulli Gold and Warilla Barrack Point filling the minor placings.

Newly formed Austinmer White won the under 23 women's final ahead of Helensburgh-Stanwell Park and Warilla-Barrack Point, while Bulli Gold was untouchable in the under 19 men.

Helensburgh-Stanwell Park were victorious in the veteran men, with Bulli Workers second and first round winners Woonona third.

Round three will be hosted by Port Kembla on January 10.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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