Yamba SLSC Masters competitors picked up 1 gold, 5 silver and 4 bronze medals at the NSW State Surf Lifesaving Masters Titles held at Queenscliff Beach in Sydney last Wednesday and Thursday in very testing surf conditions.
The total of 10 medals for Yamba Surf Club was a step up from last year’s record haul of 9 medals.
The star of the Yamba team was once again Jeunesse Meldrum with a win in the 45/49 yrs rescue tube race and 2nd place in the surf race. She also teamed with Paddy Hintz and Bobbie Winger in the over 170 yrs female surf teams’ event to finish a very unlucky 4th.
Silver medals went to Joe Fahey in the 50/54 yrs ski race and David O’Brien in the 55/59 yrs rescue tube race with Michael Stubbs taking the bronze medal in this event. Michael also won bronze in the 55/59 yrs surf race.
The over 170 yrs ski relay team of Nathan Steele, Greg Goodwin and Ben Sullivan had to settle for the silver medal behind Manly after leading the field for most of the race.
A strong finish by the team in the over 170 yrs Taplin relay saw Yamba’s Nathan Steele (ski), Peter Rheinberger (board) and David O’Brien (swim) grab the silver medal just behind Avoca Beach with Freshwater close up in 3rd place.
Bronze medals for Yamba also went to Peter Rheinberger in the 60/64 yrs rescue tube race and Greg Goodwin and Ben Sullivan in the 55/59 yrs double ski race.
The enthusiastic Yamba Masters are now looking forward to the Australian Titles to be held at Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast from April 13 to 21.
Jim Dougherty