The Port Kembla team celebrate the under 23 win. Picture: NEWCASTLE HERALD
SURF BOATS
Illawarra crews stole the show at the Australian Open surf boat championships over the weekend in Newcastle.
Of the six main divisions, Illawarra crews captured a whopping four titles.
Bulli won the open men's division, Austinmer prevailed in the reserves, Port Kembla took out the under-23 men and Corrimal claimed line honours in the under-19 men.
"We've cleaned up," Bulli sweep Paul Jones said of the region's stunning haul.
Bulli performed consistently well in the qualifying rounds before powering to victory in the final.
"We had a really good race," Jones said.
"Everything went right for us. We got away to a good start and kept our lead, and won by couple of lengths.
"Winning this event is great. It's right up there with our goals for the season.
"The Australian Surf Rowers League organisers do a really good job of promoting it and they've got a good sponsor in the Navy, so it's right up there - almost on the same rung as winning a state or Australian title."
The Corrimal under-19 crew overcame a slow start in the final to win a photo finish from Avoca Beach and Tannum.
"We're very happy, rapt," Corrimal sweep Peter Scott said.
"We got a bit of a check going out to sea and turned in about fourth or fifth, but we came flying home and got it on the line. It was a tight race and when they announced it over the PA it was pretty exciting.
"There was a lot of hugging and high-fiving. The boys are over the moon. It's like an Australian title. To knock off all the crews from interstate, it's magic.
"It's very competitive and it's very hard to get to a final, let alone take it out.
"There's a lot of hard work, training five or six days a week.
"For young fellas like that there's not a lot of reward in it, so it's great for the boys."
Port Kembla's success will be celebrated by the club, while Austinmer's win in the reserves ensured they were not empty-handed.
