Multisport: Cop keeps triathlete robbers at bay

It was cops and robbers at the Hawke's Bay Multisport Club Championships, and the cops won.

Well, cop, actually. In perfect conditions Hastings policeman Jeremy Natusch proved too strong for four young triathletes attempting to rob him of a third consecutive club title, and bragging rights as the "club's fastest triathlete".

It proved to be a race befitting such an achievement, with the first three across the line all going under an hour for the 750m swim, 21km cycle and 4.5km run.

Juniors Devon Beckman and Lucas Duross showcased the developing talent within the club to finish second and third, although Beckman was contesting the Hawke's Bay Secondary Schools (HBSS) title.

With fourth-placed Shamus Christison also contesting the HBSS title, outstanding Vet 2 triathlete Ken McLaren took out third in the club championships with the fifth fastest time of the day. Shamus' talented Year Nine brother Bradley Christison took out fourth, having chosen to contest the club championships rather than the HBSS Junior title.

Another brother, Thomas, won a shorter event held on the day.

There were outstanding performances throughout the age-groups, especially in the men's division, with recent Marine Parade beach rescue hero Mike Bond edging out Luke Williams for the Vet 1 title by recording the seventh fastest time of the day.

Legend (over-60s) Darrell Simpkins should be swabbed after his 1:06:03 was only bettered by eight younger male athletes, two women and four schoolboys, making him 15th fastest of 128 participating over the full sprint distance.

The normally untouchable Ali Hollington (Vet 1) had to work extra hard for her fourth women's title, with new club member Sonia Foote (Open) just 26 seconds behind. Foote is a three-time winner of the off-road triathlon, Xterra New Zealand pro division.

Hayley Davis (Open) rounded out an outstanding season by coming in third, having been in the winning team in the Snow Wilkins Six-Hour Adventure Race the previous day.

With Napier Boys' High School students coming in first and second in the HBSS Senior Boys Championship, it was left to Central Hawke's Bay College's Andrew Napthen to round out the placings.

Taradale High School's Zayne Jennings won the HBSS Junior Boys title followed by Napier Boys' High School twins, Oliver and George Gray.

Another Taradale High School student, Emily Williams won the Senior Girls title from Prue Bolt (Woodford House) and Abbie Lochhead (Havelock North High School), while Eva Goodison of Woodford House took out the Junior Girls title ahead of Holly Moroney (Iona) and Victoria Krebs (Napier Girls High School).

A record total of 213 athletes participated on the final day of the 2012-13 season.

Hawke's Bay Multisport Club development manager Brendon Lodge said the championships proved that there were "talented kids coming through".

"Our juniors are giving the adults a run for their money these days."