Successful return to competitive IRB action

BARWON Heads SLSC maintained consistency above all else in a return to IRB action with back-to-back days of solid work.
There were numerous victories recorded by the Inflatable Boat Rescue (IRB) teams representing the Geelong and Surf Coast areas in Lorne this past weekend, as Rounds 4 and 5 of the IRB season saw plenty of success for both the Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove clubs.
For all the teams competing there was an air of excitement despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, as Life Saving Victoria needed to scrap their third carnival of the season back in early June due to COVID-19.
Emerging triumphant on the first day of action was the Barwon Heads 13th Beach SLSC in the Open Men’s IRB Rescue, Mass Rescue and Teams Rescue, while Ocean Grove SLSC won out in the Open Men’s Tube Rescue and the Open Women’s Mass Rescue.
The next day only one of the two Geelong-Surf Coast representatives was able to find pole position, after Barwon Heads consolidated its efforts on Sunday with wins in both the Men’s IRB Rescue and the Men’s Teams Rescue.
“It was absolutely fantastic our teams were able to head down to Lorne for a full weekend of racing,” said LSV manager of aquatic sport Simon Butterly.
“Our teams not only put on an exciting racing show, but also worked hard to ensure all athletes, officials and the local Lorne community was COVIDSafe during our event,” he said.
Following the conclusion of action on Saturday, Barwon Heads settled for an impressive 50 points on day one to finish in second place behind Elwood LSC, just ahead of Ocean Grove SLSC who ended Round 4 in tied third place with 42 points.
Round 5 saw yet another second place finish overall for Barwon Heads with 38 points next to its name, 15 points shy of Brighton which amassed a mammoth 53 points on day two.
Looking ahead, Lorne SLSC is set to host the IRB Victorian Championships on July 2, where LSV will crown its IRB State Champions.