The 2018 Interbranch Team represented the Central Coast with pride, determination and unwavering sportsmanship!
There were many highlights from this year’s Championships and we’d like to share a handful with you.
The Open Team lead the way in fine form both on and off the beach. James Koch and Bailey Johns dominated the Open Men’s Surf Race finishing in first and second respectively and in addition took out the Surf Team event as well. Rachelle King and Rachel Wood were too strong for the rest of the field in the Open Women’s Surf Team, taking out a combined position victory too. James and Bailey later went on to join their team mates, Luke Eltham and Luke Hayter, to take out the Open Men’s Rescue Tube Rescue Race. Rachelle King and Luke Eltham charged home to take first place in the Open Mixed Ski Relay and the stand out event to conclude the weekend was the Open Men’s Taplin Relay where the four Open Men once again took charge from the start and claimed the win!
Lachlan Braddish reigned supreme in the Youth Male Ironperson with team mate Blake Hessell crossing the line in second and together they topped the podium in the Ironperon Team event.
The depth in the team continued to shine as Ryan Green stole the U15s Male Board Race in a spectacular sprint finish. Our U14 girls Natalia Drobot and Mia Cracknell put on a masterclass to win the Female Board Team event with Natalia taking out the individual Board top spot.
Another exciting team event securing the gold position was the U12, U13 and U14 Female Board Rescue Relay. Skye Hackshall and Emma Duggan got the team away in fine form to hand over to Davara Marshall and Pearl McQueen for a stellar performance before Mia and Natalia finished off the race and leaving the rest of the competition in their wake. With plenty of wave action, the Board Rescue Relay event was certainly a competitor and crowd favourite.
The action certainly wasn’t just limited to the water! Our beach competitors displayed some incredible skill and speed to take the win in the U13 Male Sprint with Noah Nakagawa. Emelyn Wheeler took the double victory in the U14 Female Beach Sprint and Beach Flags. As an added layer of icing to the victory cake, we secured the top place in the U12, U13, U14 Beach Relay with Bree Josling, Cooper Hobbs, Lilly Hofer, Noah Nakagawa, Emelyn Wheeler and Aymn Hamilton.
In addition to the above wins, the team celebrated some great success stories at Black Head.
Sincere thanks to all of the Management Team, including Managers, Coaches, Chaperones, Gear Stewards and Selectors. Last of all a huge thanks to the wonderful competitors who comprised this year’s team – well done!