The Wauchope Bonny Hills Surf Life Saving Club member was selected to compete in the 2019 NSW Country Trans-Tasman Team for the U19 division. 

Competitors participated in the series over three days on the Central Coast and accrued points to receive an overall score. 

Hugh and his team mate Anthea Warne (Cudgen Headland SLSC) placed first for the rescue tube rescue event. Hugh and Chloe Jones (Cudgen Headland SLSC) achieved first place for the board rescue. 

In the individual events Hugh placed second for flags, third in the swim and third in the sprint. 

NSW Country have been a dominant force at the biennale Trans-Tasman Series ever since they were admitted. The team won three successive titles, including in 2017 against their rivals Northern (New Zealand) and Central Coast (NSW) Branch.

Hugh said the team pulled off another win in 2019. 

“I’m really stoked, it was great being part of such a fantastic team,” he said. 

It was Hugh’s first time competing as part of the team and he said he wasn’t expecting much in terms of results. 

“My results definitely came as a surprise,” he said. 

Hugh said he formed close relationships with the other kids who went along and hopes he can compete again in 2020. 

Hugh has also been selected to compete as part of the 2019 NSW Country Interstate Team. 

He will compete in the youth division at the 2019 Interstate Championships from January 24 at Newport Beach, NSW. 

In 2019 Hugh said he’s aiming to focus on his final year of high school and study for the HSC. 

His goal is to travel once he leaves school.