THERE was a moment, when they hit the front with a stunning turn around the can, full of technique and energy, it seemed Bulli had seized the initiative.
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But a combination of workrate, luck and the ability to find the right wave at the perfect moment, meant arch-rivals Avoca snatched victory at the Australian Surf Rowers League open men’s final at Shellharbour.
The two top crews had been drawn at opposite ends of the beach for the decider, meaning conditions would play its part on a weekend where thunderstorms and hail stones had an impact, as much as pure guts and determination with an oar in hand.
But after Bulli had played the tactical battle and mind games of pulling their boat further down the starting line, in a bid to outfox their opposition, it was Avoca who rode the flattening swell to victory.
With Queenslanders Currumbin closely following them to the finish line on their inside, Avoca snatches the running wave they needed the surge to a finish line only truly visible on the video replays in the officials box.
In other events, competitors had to wait for review after review to know their fate.
But Avoca’s crew could be certain.
Sweep Richard Brierty celebrated the crew had delivering when it mattered.
“It was a dream run,” he said.
“The boys really went hard when I needed the too, and chasing that run, they really put in.
“Every race was hard, all the way through.
“Currumbin and Bulli and Mona Vale, they’re the pinnacle.”
Northcliffe had made the best of the start from lane three in the middle of the course, but showing their class, Bulli made the most efficient turn to hit the front as they pointed towards shore.
But as they toiled away, looking for the right run to the beach, it was their arch-rivals who had all the answers, Bulli forced to settle for fourth.
Elsewhere, Wollongong City’s reserve women’s crew were finished third in a torrid final.
Henley claimed the crown with Queensland’s Dicky Beach second.
Cronulla’s Eluora took out the open women’s decider, in one of the most thrilling races of Sunday’s finals, while also snaring the reserve men’s trophy, ahead of Palm Beach and Henley.
North Cronulla won the under 23 women and under 19 men, Dicky Beach was successful in the under 19 women and Palm Beach led the way in the under 23 men.
In the interstate championships series, NSW finished with 91 points, ahead of Queensland 84 and Western Australia 82.
The All-State and Australian Championships will be held in March.