by Melanie Goodman

Port’s surf lifesavers fared extremely well at the recent North Australian Championships held in Mackay. Nineteen clubs from as far north as Port Douglas to Hervey Bay in the south vied for the Championship Title which ultimately went to Cairns Surf Life Saving Club.

Unfortunately, the team had to leave before presentations were over and only became aware later on that Port Douglas Surf life Saving Club had taken out the Handicap Trophy on 1533 ahead of Arcadian 1511.5 and Bundaberg 1485.

The victory was well deserved following some exceptional performances in both the Junior and Masters’ categories.

The competition started well when, for the first time, Port Douglas Club nominated a small contingent in the Pool Rescue competition.

Eliza Markham, Alison Munro and Finn Devine-Cameron were sensational in events that included the 100m Manikin Tow with fins, 50m Manikin Carry and the 100m Obstacle Swim. Alongside minor point positions Markham won two gold medals, Devine-Cameron, won one gold and one silver and Munro one silver medal.

With plenty to motivate the team, competitors were keen to continue the form shown the previous day. In team events Port Douglas juniors made several finals. Under 12’s Mia Devine-Cameron, Che Innes-Collins, Mitchell Knight and Finn Stanaway finished sixth in the Cameron Relay.

In Under 13s, Hamish Doye, Harry Goodman, BJ McLeod and Stanaway were fifth Beach Relay while Goodman and McLeod also earned fifth place in the Board Rescue.

Continuing with their fine form under 14s Devine-Cameron, Munro and Markham were joined by Simon Kramer to finish fourth in both the Beach Relay and Cameron Relay. In the Board Relay Devine-Cameron, Kramer and Markham claimed the bronze medal and the combined efforts of Devine-Cameron, Markham, Dylan Sorensen and Munro also claimed bronze position in the Surf Teams event. In the Board Rescue event Markham and Munro were third while Devine Cameron and Kramer finished fourth.

Pictured below: The Port Douglas team take a break on the trip to Mackay.



Outstanding Under 11 competitor Derek Sorensen took home two individual medals finishing first in the Ironman and second in the Board Race. Markham added two more medals to her tally finishing in second place in both the Board Race and Beach Sprint.

Markham also scored points finishing fourth in the Surf Swim and sixth in the Ironwoman. Munro placed in medal position finishing second in the Surf Swim while also contributing to the clubs' total with fourth in the Ironwoman and fifth in the Board Race.

Devine-Cameron won two individual gold medals with wins in the Surf Swim and Ironman, and claimed silver in the Board Race. Narrowly missing out on medals but contributing to the clubs' tally were Knight, fourth in the Surf Swim, Goodman, fifth in the Surf Swim and Kramer, sixth in Flags.

After a count back in what was a close fought contest, it was revealed that Markham and Devine-Cameron were the North Australian Titles under 14 female and male Age Champions.

Not to be outdone by Port’s junior contingent, Masters competitors also brought home an equally impressive swag of medals in both team and individual events.

Nicole Innes finished second in the Board Race, Surf Swim, Ironwoman and 2km Run; third in Flags, Beach Sprints and Tube Race and in points position, fifth in the Ski Race. Kelly McNamara was second in the Board Race, third in Flags, the Beach Sprint, Tube Race and Ironwoman.

Sara Mcleod finished first in the Ironwoman event, second in Flags and the Surf Swim and third in the Beach Sprint. Together the girls continued increasing their medal haul. Innes, McNamara and McLeod claimed won gold in the Taplin 3 Person and silver in the Board Relay and Ski Relay. Innes and McNamara won an additional gold medal in the Board Rescue.

The men fared equally well with John Goodman placing first in the Board Race, and second in the Ironman. Goodman was unlucky not to add another medal when finishing fourth in Flags, the Tube Race and Ski Race. Brian Markham kept up the family tradition with six medals. Markham was first in the Beach Sprint, second in the Board Race, Surf Swim and Ironman and third in Flags and the Ski Race.

Markham also finished fourth in the Surf Swim and 2km Run. Also in medal form Grant Knight was first in the Surf Swim and Tube Race, third in the Board Race, fourth in the Beach Sprint and fifth in the Ironman event. Steve Pollard won two bronze medals after earning third in the Board Race and Ironman events. Pollard also came fourth in Flags, the Beach Sprint, Surf Swim and Ski Race.

Cameron, Goodman and Knight teamed up to win silver in the Board Relay; fourth in the Ski Relay and Taplin 3 Person. Markham replaced Goodman and Pollard joined forces with Cameron and Knight to finish fourth in the Beach Relay while Goodman with Pollard were fourth in the Board Rescue.

With the surf sports season now over for Northern clubs, most will hang up their stinger suits for a well-earned break. However the same cannot be said for the Nippers selected in the North Qld Branch Junior State Team who will continue a training regimen through until February when the best of the State will converge for the 2013 Junior State Titles to be held at Hervey Bay.