City Black have eye on series sweep

Round 3 of the WA Surf League is set to be a cracker as some of WA’s best athletes take to Sorrento Beach on Sunday to battle it out in the final round of the season series.

With record 17 teams set to compete, City of Perth’s “City Black” will be looking to maintain their dominance, having taken out the first two rounds ahead of Trigg Island Red, coming into round three with a relatively unchanged team.

“We would be thrilled to be able to clean sweep the series, however we are very aware that this is a far from guaranteed outcome with both Trigg and North Cott vying for the win,” said City of Perth athlete Ben Carrick.

As always, the City sprint squad excel on the sand. This round, we have elevated Britt Huitenga into the City Black team to take on the sprint, while Gabby Murphy will stay with the flags. Both athletes took out their respective events in round two so we have high expectations for them both.”

“Our male and female boat crews have been consistent, both going on to finish third last round. This weekend they will be looking to go one better.”

In what’s set to be a showdown, beach sprint world champ Jackson Symonds, fresh off the back of his recent win at the Interstate Championships, will be chasing the hat trick, but will face fierce competition from club mate and reigning WA beach sprint champion Charlie Rigby, making his WA Surf League debut this weekend, while you can never count North Cottesloe champion Tom Nolan out.

Eyes will also be on Kiera Albertsen (City Black), looking to take her third consecutive win in the open ski, while in the male event Dan Humble (Trigg Island Red) will be hard to go past.

Kiera Albertsen – City Black

Kelton Mulvay – Trigg Island Red

On the board, Nikita Fredonnet (Trigg Island Red) will also be chasing a three-peat while the battle between Kelton Mulvay (Trigg Island Red) and Matt Colliss (City Black), who are currently sitting one a piece, could make all the difference with only 1 point separating the two teams in round one.

The WA Surf League is the first of its kind event in Australia and has been championed by those in the sport, including former ironman and coach Phil Clayton.

“I think it would go fantastic on a national stage. I think all of the other clubs on the east coast, down in Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania would absolutely love this idea,” said Mr. Clayton.

It’s going to involve everyone in the club to put a team together to get out on the beach. You’re going to have to incorporate every facet of the senior movement, which is a wonderful way to get the clubs really involved. Any kid from the age of 13 can jump in and compete.”

“Surf club participation in the surf sports will come back due to the fact that they are only going to be on the beach for 2 or 3 hours.”

The concept is also seen as a driver for increasing the profile of the sport and athletes, as well as participation.

“The simplified and fast-paced format has been well received by most competitors. The traditional all day surf carnival still has its place, but surf league provides another competitive stepping-stone for athletes to strive for,” said Mr Carrick.

The exposure for surf sports and the athletes through the live stream and commentary is important for continuing to grow and publicise the sport”.

“The prize money is always an added incentive, but racing for the team is what motivates a lot of people.”

Round 3 of the WA Surf League will be live streamed from 8.45am this Sunday 3^rd February on the Surf Life Saving WA Facebook page, website and You Tube channel .

Full results and live stream from rounds 1 & 2 can be found here