With State Championships fast approaching, our senior competitors today had a hit-out in the Club Championships.
Chris Timms proved his class on an Australian Championship standard course to take out the open swim with James Cohen a gallant second and David Graham (under 19) third. Jordon Haynes-Love took out the under 17 event from Aaron Minervini while Zac Walker held out Will Dwyer in the under 15s. Earlier Melissa Benson had easily accounted for the female field with Jade Whitehead (under 17) second. Jess Blades took out the under 15s with a narrow win over Gabriella Slattery.
David Graham and Jade Whitehead completed a great carnival to take out their individual Iron Man/Woman event with Aaron Minervini winning the Under 17 and Dr Ben taking out the Veterans.
On the running track the standout performance was Montana Ardon who won her under 19 race and then batted up again to edge out Lauren Keightley in the open race in a very tight finish. In a huge on beach controversy Shane Buchan was disqualified by referee Brett Slocombe for breaking, handing the open title to an impressive Steven Golding. Ben Hewitt ran a shrewd tactical race (as can only happen in a vets 90 metre run) to finish stronger than Luke George. Shane Buchan overcame his run disappointment to take out the male flags while Adie Hinkes took out the female flags.
The water events for the Club Championship were run very professionally by referees Steve Carrick and Steve Cohen while the beach was in the capable hands of Brett Slocombe and Shane Buchan. Thanks to Jill George as recorder and John Davies for helping with the cans.
There were some great performances on the day but David Graham and Jade Whitehead were probably the outstanding overall performers with great cameo appearances in their specialty events by Chris Timms, John Wilkie, Montana Ardon, Melissa Benson and Lara Taylor.
* All placings are subject to members completing patrol and other requirements, as contained in the club By-Laws
