The Kempsey-Crescent Head Masters 180s crew claimed a gold medal at the Australian Surf Rowers League last Friday after they bested a field of 11 crews at Cronulla beach.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The local crew had a fantastic start to the final of the national carnival as they extended their lead to four boat lengths before the conditions resulted in Wanda closing the gap.
The two crews battled for supremacy but it was Kempsey-Crescent Head who dug the deepest to earn the victory by the narrowest of margins.
The crew, made up of Stu Henderson, Simon Tamblyn, Mick Conomos, Austin Northey and sweep Gavin Burkes, also bested the current world champions Currumbin, who finished in third position.
While the crew went to the carnival with a humble goal, Conomos admitted the experienced men believed they were capable of claiming gold.
“The goal is always to reach the final and once you’re there anything can happen,” Conomos said.
“We have rowed together for a few years and picked up a silver medal at state last year so we knew we had it in us.
“But to come away with a gold medal against all of the Sydney and Queensland clubs is pretty special.”
Conomos said the conditions were “perfect” for competition.
“The surf was pretty testy, the day started with waves at about two to three foot and by the time the final came around it was between four and five foot,” Conomos said.
“It made for entertaining racing and it was perfect conditions for rowing.”
The local crew advanced to the final after earning a fourth in their first heat before improving to a second place finish in their second heat.
The crew has also recently cemented their position as the top Masters 160s crew of the region as they are a perfect eight wins from as many rounds in the North Coast Surf Boat Series.
The teammates are looking forward to competing at the state and national carnivals and are hopeful of adding to their growing medal collection.
They were the only Kempsey-Crescent Head crew to make the trip south to the prestigious carnival, which attracts more than 300 crews from across the country.
Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Macleay Argus newsletter here.
Also making the news:
