19 July 2010
MEDIA RELEASE – GOLD COAST RIVALS TIE AT 2010 QUEENSLAND IRB SURF RESCUE CHAMPIONSHIPS

GOLD Coast clubs Kurrawa and North Burleigh couldn’t be split on the weekend as they tied at the 2010 Queensland IRB Surf Rescue Championships, held at Broadbeach from July 16-18.

After two days of high-octane racing, 2009 IRB state champions, Kurrawa and last year’s second place getters, North Burleigh finished on 67 points apiece.

More than 280 competitors from 18 clubs contested the event with Sunshine Coast’s Alexandra Headland rounding off the winner’s list, finishing in third place.

SLSQ surf sports manager, Chris Harris said despite the reasonably small swell, the Championships certainly made for some interesting racing with more than a few upsets over the weekend.

“The slight conditions still tested competitors and showed that all athletes needed to be on their game whilst performing this vital lifesaving skill,” he said.

“It was pleasing to see that there was a good representation from some of our smaller clubs, demonstrating that IRB racing is a good development opportunity for our younger members.

“The under-23 age group performed particularly well as a whole, showing that there are quality competitors coming up through the ranks.

“But at the end of the day, Kurrawa and North Burleigh were both outstanding teams and this was proven with the clubs' equal championship club point score.”

The weekend’s event signalled the end to the 2010 IRB racing season as the Australian Championships, traditionally the last competition, were held earlier in the year where Kurrawa and North Burleigh placed second and third respectively.

North Burleigh was also announced as the winners of the dedicated IRB Premiership Series ‘Ocean Roar’ on the final day of competition, securing the Premiership flag ahead of Sunshine Coast club’s Dicky Beach and Alexandra Headland.

ENDS

For full results visit http://members.lifesaving.com.au/ select ‘Surf Sports’ and ‘IRB Competition’.
For more information, contact:

Jessica Strudwick
SLSQ Media and Communications Coordinator
3846 8044

Chris Harris
SLSQ Surf Sports Manager
0419 721 824


TOP TEN
1 Kurrawa (67)
1 North Burleigh (67)
3 Alexandra Headland (53)
4 Dicky Beach (40)
4 Point Lookout (29)
6 Kawana Waters (25)
7 Tallebudgera (14)
8 Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park (12)
9 Broadbeach (11)
10 Maroochydore (7)