Ocean Grove juniors triumph at LSV state competition

JUNIOR life saving competitors from across the state headed to Warrnambool this weekend to compete in the LSV Junior Victorian State Championships at Warrnambool, with Ocean Grove SLSC crowned the overall club champion.

Spectators enjoyed the traditional march past and belt and reel competitions, plus individual events including beach sprints, beach flags, swim, board and iron events, as well as team events.

The final standings in the overall club championship were:

• Ocean Grove SLSC, 181 points
• Point Leo SLSC, 117 points
• Mentone LSC, 93 points
• Anglesea SLSC, 84 points
• Jan Juc SLSC, 83 points
• Mornington LSC, 80 points.
• Lorne SLSC, 73 points
• Torquay SLSC, 72 points
• Warrnambool SLSC, 70 points
• Mordialloc LSC, 49 points.

“We’re thrilled to have held the Junior Victorian State Championships again,” host club Warrnambool SLSC’s president Justin Houlihan said.

“We saw some challenging conditions and some healthy competition this weekend – well done to all kids involved, the officials and to the Warrnambool SLSC members who have helped deliver the event, thank you.”

Carnival referee David Laws said the weekend was terrific and an inclusive, enjoyable event.

“We’re so grateful to the junior athletes, their families, volunteer officials, water safety and powercraft, and of course our host club, Warrnambool SLSC,” Laws said.

The Junior Victorian State Championships marks the end of junior competition for the Under 13 age group, who will next year transition to the youth/senior competition. The following athletes shined in their events and were named as this year’s Under 13 Champion Athletes:

• Girls Beach – Swayde Cole, Mordialloc LSC
• Girls Water – Sophie Jacka, Portsea SLSC
• Boys Beach – Jerome Palmer, Lorne SLSC
• Boys Water – Charlie Farrell, Point Leo SLSC