Ocean Grove’s surf life saving dominance has continued with the club taking out the Life Saving Victoria Junior Victorian State Championships at Warrnambool.
In fact Ocean Grove didn’t just win the championships, it romped it in with 181 points – 64 points ahead of runners-up Point Leo.
Key events, from the traditional march past and belt & reel, to individual beach sprints, beach flags, swim, board and team events, provided exciting viewing.
Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club head coach Sonia Kinsey said she was pleased with the result.
“It was pleasing to see us win the Nipper points score again, but as the largest competition team in the state you would expect us to be up there,” she said.
“We have quite a few juniors that did well, and with the right amount of training and guidance could do very well when they step up into senior competition.
“They managed the surf conditions well which was pleasing to see as it was quite challenging at times. It was also good to see Point Leo coming through in second place as they have a group of very talented athletes coming through out of Nippers and this makes it exciting in the years to come with a number of clubs obviously working hard when they could in what was such a difficult year due to covid.”
Kinsey said the focus would now shift to the senior team and making sure they are ready to do well at the Victorian Senior State Titles in Lorne on March 20 and 21.
“We have a great bunch of kids who all train well together, with a good vibe, which is often way more important than the results we achieve on race day,” she said.
“I also have a very supportive group of parents behind me who are willing to put their hands up to do whatever job is asked of them before, during and after the day. I am very lucky.”
For more Rob Gunstone pictures, see page 12.
