Coast lifesavers were ‘simply marvellous’

IF I can steal Richie Benaud’s well used phase “marvellous that”, covering the Sunshine Coast results from last week’s National Lifesaving Titles on the Gold Coast.
The Sunshine Coast competitors came home with a bagful of medals, more importantly most from the younger brigade representing all clubs.
The titles were also a celebration of 100 years of competition, cemented by arguably the two greatest Shannon Eckstein and Trevor Hendy winning.
Eckstein’s seventh ironman victory catapults him to the top of the tree, eclipsing his childhood hero Hendy’s previous record of six.
The Northcliffe star is what lifesaving is all about, raised on the beach at Surfers Paradise in awe of Hendy and wishing to mirror his idol. His dad Billy, also a Surfers lifesaver, gave Shannon every opportunity through the nipper ranks, juniors and now open competition.
The 34-year-old has won every title available, most numerous times and, like he did in last Sunday, he won them easily.
But king Trevor shared part of the 100 year joy, with a turn back of the clock victory in the rescue board with his son TJ.
The 46-year-old did what he has always done, upset the norm when he paddled his way across the line to notch his 27th gold medal.
What makes his victory more incredible is that his wins have been over four decades.
While the Northcliffe Club retained in mantle as the nation’s top club it was great to see three Sunshine Coast clubs in the top 10 – Mooloolaba, Alex Headlands and Maroochydore.
Noosa and Sunshine Beach juniors and masters fared well in their areas of competition.
The 2016 nationals host Maroochydore had a terrific carnival, but I noticed with great interest they won several First Aid medals. Not the glorified action but saving lives is really what it’s all about and I know the Swans were very proud of their wins.
Behind the scenes were the coaches, believe it or not, former Noosa Clubbie’s Chris Sargent and life member Lenore Grice. Both ladies have had a lifetime involvement with lifesaving and especially with their beloved Noosa, but they would still be smiling from last weekend’s results.
My only concern now is that the focus turns to the Sunshine Coast for next year’s titles.
My hope is the competition will be divided equally between Mooloolaba, Alex and Maroochydore as they are joint hosts.
I doubt Maroochydore can successfully duplicate the set-up of Kirra Beach and will really need the other two clubs.
Changing sports, it was not a win but the Northern Outlaws’ torrid 18-all draw with Caboolture in the first round of the Coast Rugby League competition augers well for the united club.
In football, Noosa scored an emphatic 6-0 win over Beegees, while the Dolphins continued their good early season form.
The Noosa Festival of sport in May is shaping up to be the next big event on the Coast calendar.
Until next time.