Full throttle for IRB aces
Kurrawa and North Burleigh go head-to-head
IT’S set to be a clash of the titans at Coolangatta this weekend when the state’s top IRB crews line up for Rounds 2 and 3 of Surf Life Saving Queensland’s annual Ocean Roar Series.
Kurrawa and North Burleigh have won the past eight series between them and, once again, loom as the teams to beat after dominating the opening round of competition last weekend.
Just nine points separate the powerhouse clubs at the top of the table, with Kurrawa holding the slight advantage.
However, North Burleigh coach Andy Kelckhoven said the reigning Australian champions would do everything they could to narrow the gap this weekend.
“We’ve had some great battles with Kurrawa over the years, probably going right back over the past couple of decades,” he said.
“They’re a great team with a great coaching set-up, so they’re going to be very tough to beat.
“We’d love to chip away at that lead if we can but, at the moment, it’s a case of who can turn up and how many of our crews can make it through to the finals and get those points.
“When it’s this close, every person in every round is going to make a difference.”
The high-octane IRB series will involve almost 300 surf lifesavers from across southeast Queensland flock to Coolangatta, putting their skills to the ultimate test in a variety of rescue simulations.
Gold Coast clubs dominated last weekend’s opening round at Alexandra Headland, winning all 17 finals.
With the likes of Broadbeach and Kirra within striking distance, Kelckhoven said it was far from a two-horse race.
“Last week was a great opportunity to get a good look at some of the other clubs, and going by the points so far, there are three or four who could be right up there at the pointy end of the table,” he said.
“It’s going to be a really interesting year.”
1. Kurrawa ............................ 77
2. North Burleigh ................ 68
3. Kirra, Broadbeach ........... 58
5. Alexandra Headland ........ 16
6. Point Lookout .................. 13