The Central Coast played host to a thrilling Round 2 of the NSW IRB (Inflatable Rescue Boat) Premiership, with Kiama Downs taking the points for the second consecutive round.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Kiama Downs pushed further ahead of their closest rival Caves Beach over the weekend at Terrigal with another winning performance cementing their place at the top of the IRB Premiership.
The South Coast club dominated the 35-year plus events, finishing with two first places in the Mixed Rescue and Teams and came second in Mixed Mass Rescue and Tube Rescue.
Meanwhile, in the Open events the club continued their winning ways cruising to victory in the Open Male Rescue and Teams, Open Female Teams and were pipped at the post by South Maroubra to finish second in the Open Male Mass Rescue.
Kiama Downs competitor Nathan Foster believes the impressive results can be attributed to the many years’ experience of his fellow IRB racing club-mates.
“We’ve had the same team that’s been together for a while now and we’re pretty experienced,” Foster said.
“We don’t have a big team but we seem to do well under pressure.
“There were a high number of close races over the weekend, so it’s great preparation for all crews leading into the remaining rounds."
Throughout the weekend, the Hunter clubs led by Caves Beach secured a host of results to maintain the close gap on their South Coast opponents.
Caves Beach finished first in Open Female and Male Tube and Under-23 Mixed Tube, while Newcastle claimed the 35-year plus Mixed Tube and Novice Mixed Rescue.
South Maroubra were the big improvers of the Premiership, finishing first in the Open Male Mass Rescue and Under-23 Mixed Rescue and Teams, while taking second in the Open Male Rescue and Teams.
Surf Life Saving NSW Sport manager Rob Pidgeon said despite Kiama Downs leading the way in the premiership, crews are pushing closer each round.
“It’s great seeing clubs improving every time they race,” he said.
“Competitors have trained very hard this year and it’s showing because you really don’t know who’s going to make the finals.
“We’re halfway through the Premiership, so clubs are building nicely towards the remaining two rounds and the NSW Championships in Mollymook in July.”
The next round of the NSW IRB Premiership will be held at Birubi Point SLSC on June 4 and 5.