Branch Championships
February 21, 2007
Section: Sport
SHELLHARBOUR finished the competition in second position at the South Coast Branch Championships hosted by Kiama Surf Lifesaving Club held on the weekend.
In ideal conditions, Shellharbour were outnumbered by the overall winner Warilla/Barrack Point, yet achieved some outstanding results over the three days of competition.
After some convincing results in the board riding section for junior and seniors which kicked off the competition the previous weekend, Shellharbour headed into the next round of events full of confidence.
Strong performances by seniors Darren Lee, Laura Elkerton, Sandy Rose, Paul Condran and Ashleigh Sharkey gave inspiration to the juniors competing the following day.
Under 11 girl, Shannon Hobson produced the surprise packet of the day by taking out the Board Race to gain her first branch medal since commencing junior surf lifesaving.
Under 8 competitors Jye Tarne and Jade Wilson took gold in their respective boys and girls beach sprint events, whilst under 14 girl, Grace Crampton, dominated on the beach taking gold in both the beach sprint and flags.
The under 13 girls produced some fantastic all round results with Karri Ryan taking gold in the Board Race, silver in the Ironperson and Beach Sprint, and bronze in Flags.
Zoe Elkerton finished the day with gold in the Ironperson and Swim, and silver in the Board Race. She then teamed with Ryan to take gold in Board Rescue.
Elkerton and Ryan teamed with Chelsea Flood to take gold in the Board Relay, with Elkerton, Ryan and Alex Westlake taking silver in the 3 person Cameron Relay.
Ryan also took gold as part of the All Age Relay, Under 13 Beach Relay and Junior March Past Team.
Rounding out the Under 13's list of impressive results was Alex Westlake who took gold from Mollymook competitor Sharni Wade in a hard fought out final, and finishing with bronze in the Beach Sprint.
The club now heads into NSW State Championships to be held over the next two weekends at Cronulla.
The club also has a contingent heading to Jindabyne for the 1000m Surf Lifesaving Championships.
The club's boat crews, March Past team and some individuals are hopeful of bringing home a share of the prize money on offer at this highest altitude event held as part of celebrations of 100 years of Surf Lifesaving.