Wauchope-Bonny Hills under-23 men’s crew will hope to continue their recent run of good form when they head to Blacksmiths Beach this weekend.
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The Bullsharks will look to back-up their Country Championships gold medal last month, but will have their work cut out at the NSW Surf Life Saving state titles.
Boat captain Tony Kee is confident of a good showing from the crew although he knows the challenge they will face.
“It will be great for them to continue their winning ways,” he said.
“While they will be up against the best in the state we know they are capable of coming up with a good performance.”
At this time of year, Kee said all crews from around the state were peaking at the right time.
The club will also take their reserve men’s crew.
“We’re quietly optimistic about both of our crews’ chances, but the conditions might suit us down there,” Kee said.
The powerful surf conditions experienced around Port Macquarie have been felt all the way down the coast.
“We’ve been rowing together as a reserve men’s crew so we know we’ve got the necessary skills (to cope with those conditions),” Kee said.
“It just remains to be seen how much boat speed we can get.
“It will be tough, because some of the A-grade crews drop down to reserve grade.”
The titles could be moved to Lake Macquarie, but that decision won’t be made until late Friday.
Meanwhile, Port Macquarie Surf Life Saving Club finished top of the table for the Mid North Coast during the age championships last weekend.
They finished in 25th spot overall.
In what shapes as an encouraging sign for the future it was their youngest competitors who won the Mid North Coast’s powerhouse opening gold medal.
Jesse Andrews, Joseph Carrick, Lucas Scott, and Lewis Shipway joined forces in the under-9 Beach Relay where they scorched the sand to be crowned state champions.
Club mates Jaidyn Rossiter and Fleur Sherlock were both finalists in their respective Flag Competitions.
Ty-Jesse Brabant and Jesse Hiatt combined forces to win silver in the under-13 Board Rescue.
NSW Surf Sports Manager Rob Pidgeon felt that despite the challenges of the weather and the conditions it was a highly successful competition for the young athletes.
“I would like to congratulate everyone for what was an extremely successful State Age Championships,” he said.
“It was certainly played in the right spirit, and all the nippers, their families, and their clubs can look back with pride on what has been a fantastic surf sport season.”