Australia enjoyed a dominant victory in the Trans-Tasman Surf Boat Test Series at Elouera Beach over the weekend.
Australia’s four teams went undefeated to win 12-0, their sixth win in a row over the New Zealand Oar Blacks, with two of the Australian sides made up of Bate Bay competitors.
North Cronulla Surf Lifesaving Club provided the under-23s men’s team, with Elouera making up the open women’s side. South Curl Curl and Avalon represented Australia in the open men’s and under-23s women’s categories respectively.
The North Cronulla team, made up of sweep Mark McDonald, stroke Jackson Ford, second stroke Tom Mailey, second bow Matt Workman and bow Matt Hammond, won all three of their events.
Competitors enjoyed the big swell at Elouera, with the Australian women’s team of Emma Gillespie, Samantha Hewitt, Sarah Hill, Tara Lal and sweep Grant Wilkinson making the most of their local knowledge.
“One of our team members came back from career ending double hamstring surgery and she fought back as a 46-year-old rower to represent Australia for the first time,” Wilkinson said.
“To do something like that is emotional no matter who you are… it was emotional but all good emotions.”
The series was held in conjunction with the Australian Surf Rowers League Open.
