Awesome Austinmer Crew Powers Through

Illawarra Mercury

Monday November 21, 2005

By TIM KEEBLE

AUSTINMER showed off their enviable depth with a defiant performance in Saturday's second round of the Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club Surf Boat Series at Woonona.

Bulli, Corrimal and Batemans Bay had vowed to turn up the heat on Austinmer Blue in the open men's competition after strong displays in the opening round.

But, after sharing the points with Bulli in Saturday's preliminary races, the 2003 Australian champions had a commanding victory in the final, powering away from their rivals after five boats made the turn for home within a boat-length of each other.

Austinmer White finished second to complete an impressive quinella, while Batemans Bay Vikings were third and Bulli fourth.

Austinmer's dominance didn't end there.

The club's open women's crew set the benchmark, winning all three preliminary races before easily claiming line honours in the final.

Gerringong Gezzabelles settled for second spot and Batemans Bay Cattle Trucks were third.

The Austi women's crew has not lost in eight races over the two rounds.

Veteran sweep Denis Patison guided Austinmer White to victory in the reserve men's final after clubmates Austinmer Blue put together a perfect three-from-three strike rate in the early races.

Moruya Hot Shots finished second and Wollongong City H were third.

Austinmer Blue recovered from a loss in the preliminary races to take out the under 21 men's final, with the improving Helensburgh-Stanwell Park crew claiming second and Gerringong third.

Moruya Pole Vaulters were almost faultless in the under 19 men's division, winning three preliminary races before prevailing in the final.

"We had 64 crews competing in exceptionally good racing conditions," series director John Masters said.

"There were good performances from several clubs but there was no denying it was Austinmer's day again."

Mollymook will host the third round on December 17.

Club pointscore: Austinmer 427, Moruya 320, Bulli 314, Gerringong 283, Mollymook 233, Shellharbour 228.

© 2005 Illawarra Mercury

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