WAUCHOPE-Bonny Hills surf lifesaving club had a successful outing at the 2016 Stramit NSW Country Surf Life Saving Championships this past weekend.
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Lifesaving clubs from around the Mid North Coast competed at the event which was held at South West Rocks with two clubs finishing inside the coveted top ten.
Port Macquarie SLSC, who fielded a team of over 100 competitors, finished in fourth place, while Wauchope-Bonny Hills finished ninth, which sees them move up an impressive eight places on their 2015 result.
Young boat rowers from Wauchope-Bonny Hills SLSC proved that they could mix it with the more established crews when they came across the line first in the prestigious Open Women's division at this championships.
Sweep Steve Monaghan said the girls put in a fantastic effort, with three of them backing up from competing in the Under-23 division in the morning.
"Our bow girl Sammy Diamond was filling in today, plus she was carrying a knee injury. She really struggled all day but she gritted her teeth and really brought it home - it was great," he said.
"Once we get in the water it's been really good, but it's always a struggle to get crews consistently training in the boat.
The WBH crews were forced to use their brand-new, unmarked boat after their other boat lost its keel last week.
"Yeah we had to row the new boat before it was officially christened," Monaghan said.
"I don't know if that was bad luck but I think it brought us some good luck today that's for sure."
The club's Under-23 men also did well to finish with a Silver medal.
There was plenty of colour and history when competition in the traditional March Past got underway on the second day of the championships.
In the end it was the Open team from Wauchope-Bonny Hills who impressed the judges most claiming gold in their first year in competition.
The team was coached by legendary mentor "Chalkie" Bob Smith who enjoyed a stellar carnival after his junior Rescue and Resuscitation team swept the podium, collecting the gold, silver and bronze on the first day of competition.
Top 10 Standings: Byron Bay SLSC, Cudgen Headland, Coffs Harbour SLSC, Port Macquarie SLSC, Sawtell SLSC, Warilla Barrack Point SLSC, Mollymook Surf Life Saving Club, Lennox Head - Alstonville SLSC, Wauchope Bonny Hills SLSC, Yamba SLSC.
