WAIKANAE TRIUMPHANT: Members of the Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club pose with the Ralph Morse Memorial Shield in their clubrooms after victory in the Gisborne Surf Life Saving Championships on Friday and Saturday. It was the sixth time in a row that Waikanae had won the Shield. They won 31 team titles and 25 individual titles on the way to a points tally of 415. Second were Midway, on 325 points, and third were Wainui, on 61. Picture supplied
WAIKANAE TRIUMPHANT: Members of the Waikanae Surf Life Saving Club pose with the Ralph Morse Memorial Shield in their clubrooms after victory in the Gisborne Surf Life Saving Championships on Friday and Saturday. It was the sixth time in a row that Waikanae had won the Shield. They won 31 team titles and 25 individual titles on the way to a points tally of 415. Second were Midway, on 325 points, and third were Wainui, on 61. Picture supplied
Gisborne surf lifesaving clubs gave fantastic support to the local club championships at the weekend, with competitor numbers the highest in years, Surf Life Saving New Zealand club development officer Sonia Keepa said.
The championships — with the Ralph Morse Memorial Shield at stake — drew 130 athletes, up from85 last year.
“It's indicative of the strength in surf lifesaving sport that continues to grow and develop in our region,” Keepa said.
“The Tairawhiti Surf Life Saving Sport Committee worked really hard to put together a fantastic format and programme for the athletes.
“The event ran really smoothly, thanks to the tireless and experienced efforts of the officials and work crews who gave their time and contributed hugely to the success of the event.”
The seniors now turn their attention towards the Eastern Region Champs to be held at Mt Maunganui from January 29 to 31, as they head towards the build-up to the nationals, which will be held at Ohope in March.
Midway Beach will host the Eastland Port Eastern Region Junior Champs this weekend. About 400 junior surf athletes from eight to 14 will compete on Saturday and Sunday.
