WOOLGOOLGA Surf Life Saving Club have returned from Western Australia as national champions, after winning the Boat Section at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in Perth.

The Woolgoolga club’s Long Strokers men’s team won the national title for the Masters 200s category, continuing their gold medal streak after also winning the event at the NSW Surf Lifesaving Championships.

The team of Trevor Clark, Denis Crosley, Wayne Bailey, Ian Thorncroft and sweep Tim White capped off an amazing season by winning the national title.

Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club Fundraising/Social Officer and rower in the Boat Section, Meggen Matthews-Frederick, praised the performances of the Long Strokers team.

“They have had an amazing season, bringing home the biccies to Woolgoolga,” she said.

“Congratulations boys, we are all so proud of you and your hard work, and we can’t wait to admire your trophy in the boat shed all year.”

She also highlighted other top performers from the Woolgoolga club who performed well in Perth.

“Our Under 19 girls, The Weapons, made it through to the semi-finals at Aussies which is their best result yet, making them in the top twelve crews in the country,” she said.

“Congratulations to the girls (Sophie Hinterholzl, Bessie Dungey, Molly Dungey and Jordyn McSkimming) and sweep Damien McSkimming on this result.

“The women, Yeah Baby, as well as the men, the Barracudas, made the quarter finals in the reserve grades, and the Postmen rowed superbly in their first Aussie titles, to round out a fantastic effort from Woopi.

“We stood strong in our representation compared to many much larger clubs, and all crews performed extremely well.

“Lara Hannaford was representing Woopi on the sand, competing in the Under 14 Sprint and the Under 14 Flags, and achieving a top twelve result in both.

“How exciting for one of our youngsters to achieve such amazing results!”

Matthews-Frederick thanked those that made the club’s trip to Perth such a success.

“It was a huge effort from our little country club to get five crews to Perth, and a massive thank you goes out to John Portsmouth and Alan Stenning who drove the boat all the way to the West Coast and back again!” she said.

“Thank you to the Seaview Tavern, Mullaway Early Learning Centre and Harvey Excavations for their ongoing support, without whom we wouldn’t have a boat.

“Thank you to all of you local legends who came along to our Sunday Sippers to help us make the journey and fly the Woopi Flag on the other side of the country!

“Finally, the biggest thank you to our almighty leader, Boat Captain Trevor ‘Clutchy’ Clark for orchestrating the journey and allowing all of the boaties the opportunity to compete at a West Australian Aussies.”

By Aiden BURGESS