Papamoa open up healthy pool champs lead

Papamoa has taken a healthy lead after two days of surf lifesaving's New Zealand pool championships in Hamilton.

The Bay of Plenty club has amassed 681.5 points heading into tomorrow's final day, as they look to emulate their 2011 win at the event, at the same venue.

Key to Papamoa's performance was their depth, highlighted in the under-19 men's division.  Ben Johnston, Michael Bryant and Jake Hales took out three of the top four placings in both the 50m manikin carry and the 100m rescue medley, with New South Wales development team member Jed Boxall grabbing two thirds to break up the dominance.

Papamoa's Natalie Peat was similarly dominant, grabbing two golds and finishing behind clubmate Helena Gasson in the 200m swim with obstacles.

It leaves Papamoa with a 162.5-point lead over near-neighbours Mount Maunganui, with Mairangi Bay third on 326 points.

New Zealand squad members Samantha Lee and Steve Kent again dominated the open division, although New South Wales ironman Tim Schofield pushed Kent hard in both the 100m rescue medley and 50m manikin carry.

Club points after two days

Papamoa 681.5, Mt Maunganui 519, Mairangi Bay 326.5, New South Wales 254, Lyall Bay 216, Sumner 199, Red Beach 191, Fitzroy 188, Waikanae 181, NPOB 180, Piha 149.

Results

Day Two, 12 October 2013,  session three (pdf, 91kb),  session four  (pdf, 107kb)

Papamoa's Michael Bryant in the 50m manikin carry at surf lifesaving's New Zealand pool championships in Hamilton.
Photo by Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services