Crews row strongly 1st Rd South Coast Boat Series @ Woonona
Well our crews have started the season strongly with some great performances in the 1st Rd of the South Coast Boat Series @ Woonona.
Due to conditions the organisers made the right decision to cut out a round robin – 2 round robins instead of 3. Top 6 point scorer’s in each division after 2 round robins into final (although all divisions didn't have 6 in their final due to low numbers and testing conditions)
We had 6 crews compete (out of 9 maximum). The 2 x u23 Women's crews did not contest due to the conditions with their sweeps making the right call, taking into account duty of care, plus our male veteran crew had other commitments on this weekend.
Two of Bulli's best surf/craft members have made the transition to boat rowing. Brittany Sharkey & Matt Freeman, both former AUSTRALIAN Reps & National Champions in the Open Female & Male Belt made their debut last weekend. The club also had a few other members make their rowing debut & really handled it well....congratulations to all concerned including the sweeps for their efforts so far!
Paul Jones (Sweep for the A Male & Female Crews) decided to line up with the Open Women but very conservative just to get them out and back safely – which they were successful in doing so – good enough to get in the final where they finished 4th......great job girls with Ashley Unicomb also making her rowing debut!
The Reserve Gold (Lincoln Costello as sweep) won both their round robins and placed an unlucky 3rd in final. Matt Freeman making his debut as a boat rower with esteem considering how well they went was a surprise for some. This crew seemed to attract the waves coming home in all their races and with Lincoln showed some very good skills on all occasions.
The Reserve “Blumpkins” (Shane Geloven as sweep) which had members who formerly were the clubs A crew from 2009 and 2010 placed 1st in the final, with a 1st and a 3rd in the round robins.
Our U19’s Male crew(Shane Geloven as sweep) also making their debuts had one of those days which you would like to forget, but in the same breath understood what surf boat rowing is all about. They faced some mountains in round 1 and got a dose of what it’s like to get smashed - DNF. In round 2 were DQ’d (wrong gate can – Shane not happy!). So, an uneventful first competition row for these boys but they showed enough to be in the mix next time with some luck.
Our U23 Men (Lincoln Costello as sweep) placed 3rd in the final with a couple of guys in this crew making their rowing debuts.
Our Open Men's A crew (Paul Jones as sweep) won all their rows quite easily and looked very impressive and look set for a bumper season.
Over 50 rowers & supporters headed to Bulli Workers Club after the carnival & had a few drinks & a BBQ. A special presentation was made to Adam Barlow, who recently resigned due to family & work commitments as Boat Captain after 6 seasons running the show. Adam has been an inspiration to all rowers with his commitment to the club as boat captain, rower, patrolling member, committee member, social organiser involved in fundraising & sponsorship. Adam is still going to have a row this season.....he was part of the Reserve Crew that won the final.
Finally good luck to our ' St George Leagues Club' Men's A crew that will be contesting the 1st Round of the Ocean Thunder Boast Series at Dee Why this Saturday starting at 8am.