Ocean Grove pulls through at State Champs, Torquay a close second

CLUBS across the Bellarine and the Surf Coast put on a show at this year’s Victorian Surf Life Saving Championships in Warrnambool as more than 750 competitors, officials and supporters made their way down the Great Ocean Road.

The state’s best senior life savers undertook three days of near-perfect conditions putting their life saving skills to the test.

Two of the best clubs in South West fought it out for the podium finish.

Ultimately, Ocean Grove SLSC were crowned the champion club at the conclusion of the competition, with 430 points, followed by Torquay SLSC with 380 points, meanwhile Jan Juc SLSC and Anglesea SLSC rounded out the top 10 in ninth and tenth with 163.3 and 142 points respectively.

Ocean Grove finished first in the overall standings and were there crowned club champions.

“Congratulations to our athletes on an outstanding weekend of competition at Warrnambool,” LSV director of aquatic sport Aaron Green said.

“It is fantastic to see your commitment to your sport, as well as to your communities as patrolling lifesavers come through in such an excellent weekend of competition across beach, water, surf boat and lifesaving disciplines.”

In the water, Matthew Gilling and Sophie Thomas, both from Torquay SLSC took out the open ironman and ironwoman.

Sophie was also named the overall water champion for the weekend, while Anglesea’s Saxon Beale was the beach champion.

Athletes from Anglesea and Lorne vying for the flags win.

Anglesea SLSC were successful in claiming gold in the open mixed beach relays, Lorne SLSC took out the multi-discipline lifesaver relay event, and in the Victorian Surf Rowers League boat arena, Lorne SLSC’s Lorne Edge crew were crowned the winners of the open male and female events, after three rounds of highly competitive rowing.

The Torquay SLSC bracing the waves at the state champs.

“Aquatic sports serve as great active training for our lifesavers in skills they use during weekend patrols such as rescue techniques, surf swimming and resuscitation, as well as lifesaving and first aid knowledge in events like champion lifesaver and champion patrol,” Mr Green added.

“I would also like to thank our officials, team managers, clubs and other supporters for your dedication to making this weekend happen and Warrnambool SLSC for hosting us in the fabulous west region.”

Up next is the main event for the 2022 life saving calendar with The 2022 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships to be held on the Gold Coast at Broadbeach SLSC, North Kirra SLSC and Kurrawa SLSC from April 2 to 10.