North Cronulla was the big mover finishing fourth overall after a scintillating weekend of racing resulted in Caves Beach SLSC being crowned the 2018 NSW Sharkskin Inflatable Rescue Boat Premiership Series Champions on their home beach.
Frontrunners from the opening meet of the season the Hunter club did enough to hold off their Kiama Downs rivals with a number of impressive displays, while the team from Terrigal emerged from the chasing pack to secure third place on the podium.
With more than 300 competitors on the start-line, there were a number of strong performances across the weekend.
Conditions remained favourable for racing with a relatively small swell ensuring that the races went to schedule, though a biting wind and wetsuits reminded the competitors that winter has well and truly arrived.
North Cronulla SLSC enjoyed a successful, yet frustrating day in the Open Female Division amazingly finishing second in all 4 events.
It was an all Hunter affair in the U23 Mixed Tube Race with Caves Beach finishing one/two with Newcastle securing third spot on the podium, while South Maroubra inflicted a rare defeat on the host club in the U23 Mixed Rescue Race.
In what is a highly competitive age group, Caves Beach bounced back in the Mass Rescue Race to finish undefeated in that event for the season.
IRB racing continues to grow more competitive each season with a record number of entrants and clubs taking part in the format.
The Hunter Branch in particular had much to celebrate this season with the region not only hosting two rounds of the series, but also having three clubs finish inside the coveted top ten in the overall standings.
The weekend also marked one final opportunity for the competitors to put their names at the forefront of the minds of the selectors before the NSW IRB Interstate team to travel to Thirroul next month
2018 NSW Sharkskin IRB Premiership Top Ten Final Standings
Caves Beach SLSC (30 points)
Kiama Downs SLSC (27 points)
Terrigal SLSC (24 points)
North Cronulla SLSC (19 points)
Queenscliff SLSC (18 points)
Woonona SLSC (17 points)
Newcastle SLSC (8 points)
South Maroubra SLSC (7 points)
Catherine Hill Bay SLSC (5 points)
Forster SLSC (4 points)
