THE two Macksville-Scotts Head crews who competed at the Australian Surf Lifesavimg Champiobships in Perth have returned home with medals.
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Scoring the silver in the 220-year age group (average age 55 years) was Keith McKay (sweep), Michael Coulter (stroke), Steve Russo (second stroke), Butch Laverty (second bow) and Kendall Stirrat.
Their older team mates, in the 260-year age group (average age 65 years), Keith McKay (sweep), Jim Brazel (stroke), Ralph Johnson (second stroke), Darell Perks (second bow) and Al Keetman (bow) came home with a bronze medal.
The titles were held at Scarborough Beach, Perth under challenging conditions that saw a shore dump and a strong southerly cross wind that made rowing in awkward.
The younger team rowed three round races of 400 metres, ending up in the final against South Curl Curl, Coolangatta and the City Of Perth. South Curl Curl was the winner but stroke Michael Coulter said Scotts Head could feel proud rowing in the big league and beating the other two city teams.
“Our final was a tense affair with a wave hitting the boat just as the starting cannon went off,” Michael said.
“Steve Russo reckoned it was the first time in 30 years of rowing he couldn’t jump in the boat when the gun went off! After giving everybody a few lengths head start we managed to row down Coolangatta and the City of Perth but couldn’t catch South Curl Curl.”
“The 260-year crew had a close tussle with the crew from Grange in South Australia, which beat them into third place on points after three round robin races.”
Michael said other Mid North Coast crews also did well with Woolgoolga winning the 160-year division and coming second in the 200-year division.
“It demonstrates that the North Coast Boat Series, established by the late Michael ‘Cactus’ Moran, serves the North Coast well in providing good competition, allowing the smaller clubs to hold their own in competition with the larger city based clubs,” he said.
Thoughts now turn to next season and how crews can improve their form with some pilates, further coaching and a training camp all in the pipeline.
Anyone wanting to try their hand at surf boat rowing is encouraged to contact the Macksville-Scotts Head SLSC boat captain Butch Laverty at the Nambucca Hotel. New rowers and sweeps of any age, both male and female, are all welcome.
