SC skaters shine before rain came
South Canterbury speed skaters enjoyed a successful outing at the Top of the South Tour in Blenheim, with good performances in different categories, before the marathon had to be called off due to rain.
The South Canterbury skaters showcased a top-notch performance in the stand-alone Top of the South Tour competition, taking out the first five placings in the mixed B grade category.
Callum Sandri was first to cross the finish line, followed by club mates Kyla Beveridge, Brayden Teague, Lauren Crawford and Tom Crawford.
Max Tackney, Emile Phaff and Ivy Tackney also ended the race on a high note finishing within the top 10.
Grace Worner, who has been promising throughout the season, was placed highly, but had to withdraw midway through the race due to an injured ankle.
In the A grade women’s category, Blenheim’s Erin Green took top honours as South Canterbury’s Shannell Rae Wooding secured third spot and Olivia Passos O’Brien fourth.
In the A grade men’s category, Keaton Swindells, won two stages before pulling out with a strained groin finishing fifth overall, with Karl Boles de Boer, sixth and Daryl Mattingley, seventh.
The A grade men’s category was won by Whanganui’s Chase Morphett.
In the C grade race category, South Canterbarians Claudia Mattingley, Gemma Thornley and Ava Coyle took out the top three places respectively.
It was a similar story in the novice A category, as Oakley Mattingley, Ella Phaff and Lily Rae secured top honours.
In the novice B category, Phoenix Mattingley won from Isla Coyle with Luke Rae and Sophie Thornley finishing fourth and fifth.
South Canterbury speed skating coach and Southern Endurance Series organiser Bill Begg said, ‘‘overall it was a very successful trip for the Timarubased club’’.
The South Island Marathon Championship, which is a part of the 10-race Southern Endurance series, had to be cancelled due to inclement weather.
‘‘The Top of the South Tour finished in good conditions, then the heavens opened and the rain came down,’’ Begg said.