Posted on February 10th, 2010 by Cottsurf Admin

Over on the east coast, seven boat crews competed for Cottesloe at the Australian Surf  Rowers League Open, held at Wollongong. The entire coast was lashed with severe weather over the weekend, with racing delayed and eventually shifted to a nearby beach at Bulli.

Cottesloe ‘Des & Troy’ (Josh Wilkes, Dave Castles, Dave Goyder, Lukas Sibma and Jeff Burling) took out 4th in the Reserves final and 6th in the U23 final. This was a huge effort from the guys, at one point racing in three out of five consecutive races. The guys will be definite contenders at Aussies this year. 

‘The Juice’ (Rhett Nicholas, Tom Schroeter, Luke Brunner, Scott Silverthorne and Mike Cameron) were unlucky to end up 5th in the Under 19 final, on debut. There was literally inches between 2nd and 5th, but that’s surf boat rowing. Thanks to the generous support of the Pylon Club (Adam and Leesa Plester) for sending these guys east for the weekend. 

Several crews made it through to semis, including the ‘Chargers’ (Steve L’Huillier, Robbie Alexander, Eamon Murphy, Shane Rho and Jeff Burling) in the Open Men and the ‘Indiana’ (Nat Whiteside, Bec Smith, Meg Chute, Ange Coote and Jeff Burling) in both the Open Womens and Under 23 womens. Both the ‘Chargers’ and the ‘Indiana’ progressed furthest of any West Australian crew in their divisions.

‘The Shimmer’ (Maia Simmonds, Denise Dagley, Steph Dodd, Sophie Madden-Scott and Mike Cameron), the ‘Challengers’ (Stuart Mackinnon, Pete Cameron, James Bairstow, Kris Longmore and Mike Cameron) and ‘Spicy’ (Steph Webb, Katie Redbond, Steph Coote, Deniqua Boston and Mike Cameron) all rowed well in testing conditions.

Cuts were very harsh between rounds due to the limited time available: In addition to the cancellation of the Interstate Challenge, some crews even had to leave before their finals could be run! The ASRL copped some flak over a range of decisions, and changes are likely to be made for the 2011 event (also to be held at Wollongong).

Congratulations to all those that competed. The event provides a great lead up to Kurrawa. Special mention to Des & Troy, who were the only crew to make it into two finals over the weekend. Sensational effort lads!

James Bairstow
Club Captain