Surf lifesaving: Kiwi lifesavers too good for Aussies in pool champs

New Zealand retained the surf lifesaving International Pool Rescue Championship test series over Australia by 20 points after two days of competition at the Olympic swimming pool at the Sydney Aquatic Centre yesterday.

The New Zealand team took a 15 point advantage into the second test, but made a slow start to give the Australians a hope of victory. But New Zealand took command in the latter part of the second test to retain the Velvin/Wright Trophy by 20 points.

Auckland's Michael Buck and Wellington's Steven Kent finished in front in the 200m obstacle race, separately by just 0.35 of a second, which was encouragement for the rest of the 12-strong team.

Taranaki's Alya Dunlop-Barrett and Wellington's Tasha Hind produced an almost identical result in the women's 200m obstacle race.

Strong performances were also recorded by team captain Glenn Anderson and Johanna O'Connor from Tauranga and Julia Toomey from Christchurch.

Surf Lifesaving New Zealand sport manager Mark Weatherall said the series was the start of New Zealand's campaign to win the World Lifesaving Championships in Germany next July.

"We last won that world title in 1998 on the back of an outstanding pool section."

The New Zealand team continues its build-up to the world championships with a three-test series combining both pool and open surf competition at Bondi starting late November.