BOAT crews from Tea Gardens Hawks Nest Surf Life Saving Club had a terrific weekend at the recent Newcastle Branch Surf Life Saving Titles at Fingal Beach.

This was the first medal carnival for the season against all Newcastle branch surf clubs from as far south as Swansea Belmont and Caves Beach.

In all, 13 clubs took part.

After a consistent showing in the Streets Surfboat series since last November there was underlying optimism for a successful carnival.

Peter Rogers told News Of The Area, “Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest was expecting to be competitive but their results from the branch championships were exceptional and a credit to all involved.”

“Four crews competed and returned home with three gold medals and a one silver, the best result of any surf lifesaving club in the Hunter branch in surfboats,” Peter said.

“Both Masters Men’s crews and the Masters Ladies’ crew won gold in their age divisions while the male open boat crew won silver after a small mishap on the turning buoy which cost them a gold medal as well.”

‘’With the NSW State SLSA Titles coming up in early March at Swansea Belmont, things are looking good for continued success after great results in a truly competitive branch championships.’’

As well, six Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest Nippers travelled to Fingal Bay for the Age Hunter Branch Championships earlier this month.

Tiarna Chester, Harrison Skelly-Osmond, Sophie Howarth, Ella Howarth, Isaac Stokes and Bethany Stokes took part.

Tiarna Chester was the only Nipper who had competed at a carnival before.

All Nippers competed in the Beach Sprint, Beach Flags, Surf Swim and Board Paddling events up against more than 40 competitors in each race.

Ten-year-old Sophie Howarth won two gold medals in both the Beach Sprint and Beach Flags events.

All six Nippers finished in the top group to mid field positioning.

The TGHN Nippers will also be competing at the NSW State SLS Championships at Blacksmiths Beach next month.

 

By Margie TIERNEY