The Batemans Bay female surf boat crew have won yet gold again!
The Banshees, made up of Sweep, Neil Innes, Stroke, Tracy Innes, Second Stroke, Megan Douros, Second Bow, Ali Weyman and Bow, Donna-Marie Clark, went back to back in the 180 Years Female Surf Boat Championships at the Surf Life Saving Championships on the Sunshine Coast on Wednesday (April 17).
Moruya local, Ali Weyman, told ARN the conditions were testing with many boats rolling but the Banshees not only got through the event safely but with four wins from as many races.
“Some boats were rolling over, there was lots of broken equipment and injuries, so we were happy to get in and out safely, largely thanks to the experience of Neil Innes,” Weyman said.
“The race consisted of three rounds and then a straight final which we’re not used to because usually with the masters they just do the three rounds so having a final brings in that chance that even if you win all three rounds, you could get beaten in the final,” she continued.
“We were pretty happy to win all three rounds and the final and go back-to-back Australian Champions.”
The Banshees will compete in the Reserve Championships today (Thursday April 18) with finals held on Sunday.
“With conditions worsening over the next few days I think they’re looking to do just a six boat race, so that will be severe cuts, so we’re hoping we can get through to finals for that,” Weyman said.
Batemans Bay Surf Club have crews representing Open Men, Reserve Male, Reserve Female and the Skipjack Under 19 Female plus the Under 19 Moruya Boys crew will be rowing as well.
“We also had the Canberra contingent of the Broulee Surfers rowing on Wednesday, so it’s really nice to see the Far South Coast so well represented up here in Queensland,” Weyman said.
The Broulee 180 years Females finished 4th in the final while the 200 years Male crew got silver!
Images: Tracy Innes
