Knowledge of local breaks proved an advantage at Saturday’s Sydney Water Series at Shellharbour.
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Several athletes from Illawarra clubs were among the winners on a busy weekend in the surf.
Bulli’s Michael Locke won the Open Men’s board while Wollongong City’s Michael Jennett claimed the Masters Mens and Warilla’s Matt Sperring secured in the under-17s with strong displays. The Illawarra didn’t fare as favourably in the women’s for the same disciplines but had stronger results in the younger age groups.
“The locals fared really well,” co-organiser Keith Caldwell said.
Jennett dominated overall in the water.
The City athlete finished with an overall score of 109 points to beat Mollymook duo Robert Scott (96) and Paul Burton (75).
Sperring also coasted to a comfortable overall points victory.
His total of 108 was enough to beat Thirroul’s Jake Beaumont (93) and Terrigal’s Callum Sutton (64).
Newport’s Hannah Minogue was outstanding in the Women’s Open division.
She claimed the ski, board and ironwoman and was fourth in the surf.
It was in the younger age groups on the beach where the Illawarra clubs excelled.
North Gong’s Holly Sheldrick and Brodie Smith won the Under-9s, Mischa Boniface (Kiama Downs) took out the Under-11s, City’s Tobias Delaney was victorious in the Under-12s and Bellambi’s Brendan Morkos (Under-14s) was also successful.
Towradgi’s Sam Zustovich (Under-15s) and Ben Hamill (Under 17s) rounded out the local wins in the younger age groups.
Woonona’s Stacey Paddon and North’s Dan Ciguenza were successful in the Open beach.
The Open Men’s beach sprint and overall crown was won by Tim Burgman (Thirroul).
In the water, Bulli duo Brayden Woodford (Under 11s) and Lucas Ottaway (Under 13s) were triumphant.
The event was held in near-perfect conditions at Shellharbour Beach.
“The last day turned out really well,” Caldwell said.
“The weather cleared up and it was a beautiful day.
“There was some great racing. Both presentations went off really well.
“There were a lot of happy kids with Sydney Water prize packs.
“We are hoping to go bigger and better in 2017.”
Due to clashes with other events, numbers were down on previous years but organisers were satisfied with the turnout and standard of competition.
Close to 900 athletes competed over a busy weekend on the beach.
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