R&R Season 05-06
U17 R & R
Under 19 R&R
Junior R&R
Brooke Perry
2 Man R & R
It’s certainly been an outstanding year in the R&R section for the red caps of Collaroy and something the club can be proud of with two Aussie medals, four State medals and four Branch medals. Although we didn’t have as many teams as we have had in the past, we still managed to come away with some great results in all age groups culminating in a 2nd placing in the Most Outstanding R&R Club in NSW. The results of all teams are listed below and you will see why we are considered one of the strongest clubs in Australia for R&R competition.
2 Person: Macey Nicholls and Jodie Trim — coaches Ashleigh Yardy and Jennifer Byrne
It was great to see some of the younger members of the R&R section putting their hands up to coach two-person teams this year and these girls couldn’t have asked for better coaches in Ashleigh and Jennifer, considering they medalled in this event only a few of yearsago. Their commitment and dedication to the team should be applauded and I am sure Macey and Jodie appreciate all their efforts. This team came up against some tough competition this year in the 2-person events with the current State Champions and silver medalists coming from this branch. The girls improved on their points at each of the carnivals they competed in and gained valuable experience in competition which will no doubt be an advantage to them next season.
The girls unfortunately just missed out on a medal at the Branch Titles, whilst at the State Titles they competed against 28 other teams and just missed out on making the semi finals. These girls will only get better with experience and watch out for them to be the big improvers next season. Keep at it girls, your time will come.
2 Person: Ashlee Birtwistle and Taylor Donegal — coaches Katie Birtwistle and Brooke Ison
This team is another team that is coached by some of the younger competitors in the R&R section although they do have a lot of experience between them. Ashlee and Taylor started training for the first time this season but unfortunately they did not get the opportunity to compete at any of the carnivals. They were very committed to training and always tried their best. These girls should be congratulated on their dedication to training and I’m sure they will be competing at all the local carnivals including the Branch and State Titles next year. Go girls.
Under 14: Meggan Quinn, Brooke Coulcher, Fiona Birtwistle, Eleanor Lamb, Dana Simonsen and Ingrid Willshire — coach Jacqui de Kort
This team was no doubt the surprise packet of the year with all members (except Fiona) only learning the event this year and they certainly showed what great competitors they are and what a bright future they have together. As the team did not get together until late November, they did not compete at any of the local nipper carnivals but did compete in their first carnival at Manly in late January where they came away with a creditable second placing. Despite the short amount of time they had together, this team picked up the drill work at a remarkable rate and got better at every training session. By the time the Branch Titles came around the team was starting to fire and they came away with the gold medal becoming Branch Champions.
This result certainly boosted their confidence and it seemed that nothing was going to stop them at the State Titles until the unthinkable happened and Brooke Coulcher broke her collarbone playing touch football about two weeks before the titles. Instead of throwing in the towel, the girls recruited Ingrid Willshire into the team to fill in for Brooke. Ingrid only started training five days before the State Titles were due to begin and after some intense daily training sessions she showed that she was no doubt a worthy replacement. By the time the State Titles came around, the girls carried on with their good form and were very happy to make it through to the final. As the saying goes “anything can happen in the final” and this certainly rang true for this
team as they put together a strong performance and came away with the Silver medal much to the delight of their coach, Jacqui. No doubt Jacqui and the girls were overjoyed with this result which showed in
their beaming smiles when the results were announced. Congratulations to Jacqui who once again proved what a great coach she is by getting the team to such a high standard in a short period of time. Jacqui seems to have the Midas touch when it comes to the State Titles with her unblemished record of all her teams gaining medals over the years. Congratulations girls on a great effort this year and welcome to the R&R section where I know you will thoroughly enjoy your time.
Under 15: Fiona Birtwistle, Courtney Ison, Brianna Ison, Elizabeth Green and Dana Simonsen — coaches Stacey Birtwistle and Paul Ducker
It was great to see this team advance from the nippers section and come into the senior club this year for the first time. Unfortunately they had a problem finding a fifth member for the team, much to the frustration of Stacey, and therefore they did not compete at many of the local carnivals. The team would like to thank Dana Simonsen from the U/14 team who became the fifth member and they were able to get back on track again albeit a late start to the season. The girls competed at the Manly and Freshwater carnivals where they began lowering their points and proved that they were still in with a chance at the titles. The team competed at the Branch Titles where they performed well however they just missed out on a medal against some very good teams. Between the Branch and State Titles, the team got into some serious training with Stacey and Paul Ducker using all their expertise to get the team ready in time for the State Titles, as this was going to be their “Grand Final” due to some team members being unable to travel to Queensland. The team certainly improved its standard by the time the State Titles came around and against some very good teams they qualified to make the final. They put in a very strong performance in the final and were unlucky not to get a medal by the narrowest of margins finishing in 5thplace. It was unfortunate that this team couldn’t go to the Aussies because I have no doubt they were capable of making the final but I’m sure that they will be keen for Perth next year. Hopefully Stacey and her team will stick with it because they certainly have a lot of potential to do well. Congratulations Stacey and Plucka on a great effort and the team no doubt thanks both of you for all your help and commitment during the season. Good luck next year.
Under 17: Emily Mickan, Jenna Nicholas, Chloe Bullivant, Jennifer Byrne, Ashleigh Yardy — coaches Paul de Kort and Rhonda Lycett
This team entered their first year of the U/17 age group and experienced water run-throughs for the first time in competition having to deal with “side sweeps” and various wave conditions. As the season progressed, they grew in confidence and started lowering their points at each carnival. Due to the small number of teams in their age group, they had to compete in the U/19 division where they gained valuable experience and were very competitive, but unfortunately missed out on a medal at the Branch Titles. By the time the State Titles came around, the team was able to compete in the U/17 age group and they started to hit their straps qualifying in second place for the final. In a close tussle in the final, the team came away with a Bronze medal and were ready to tackle whatever conditions Kurrawa Beach had to offer. Fortunately the surf conditions were the smallest in 10 years and all teams didn’t have to put up with the normally difficult conditions. The team put in good solid performances in the two qualifying rounds and did extremely well to qualify for the Australian final. Although the team drilled well again in the final and everyone put in a great effort, they were beaten by better teams on the day and unfortunately just missed out on a medal coming a very creditable 5th place. This team will only get better next year with more experience in the water and with them going into the higher bracket of the age group I believe they will have a great opportunity of winning some medals at the Titles.
Under 19: Kirsten Coggins, Brooke Perry, Leanne Aouad, Brooke Ison, Katie Woodhouse, Jessica Layton and Kristy Coulcher — coaches Paul de Kort and Rhonda Lycett
This team also competed in their first year of U/19 and proved to be a very formidable team in both the U/19 and Open Women’s events. They were very competitive at the local carnivals throughout the season being placegetters on a number of occasions in both divisions. At the Branch Titles, the girls easily won the U/19 division and placed second in the Open Women’s event which started the ball rolling for things to come. They have been unlucky at both State and Aussie Titles over the last couple of years but this season turned out to be a different story. At the State Titles, the team contested both the U/19 and Open Women’s events but unfortunately they missed out on making the State final in the Open Women’s but finally claimed a Bronze medal in the U/19. During the State Titles, Katie Woodhouse suffered ligament damage to her foot during the early rounds but battled on bravely to compete in the final. This was a huge effort considering the pain she was going through and no doubt she deserved a medal for her efforts — great work Katie. Unfortunately for Katie, she was unable to compete at the Aussie Titles (under doctor’s orders) and Kristy Coulcher came into the team about a week and half before the Titles started. Fortunately Kristy had previously competed in second line position last year and after a few refresher sessions she was quickly able to get up to the same standard as the rest of the team.
At the Aussie Titles, the team performed solidly in the qualifying rounds drilling their best scores for the season. Unfortunately the competition was of an extremely high standard and again they missed out on making the final in the Open Women’s event but they did make the U/19 final. This was their fourth Aussie final they have contested in the past four years and if there were any nerves then it didn’t show going into the final. In the final, the team settled into their normal solid routine and finally came away with a Bronze medal for their efforts. With the officials announcing the results in reverse order from 6th place, the scream that emanated from the tent when 4th place was announced could be heard right around the beach and in the surrounding streets. The girls were no doubt elated with their efforts and proud to finally stand on the podium to receive their medal. This team has finally proved they are worthy medallists at the Aussies and I think with them going into the higher part of the age group they will be in with a chance of getting another medal next season. Congratulations girls on a fantastic effort this year and keep an eye out for them next season.
Open 5 Man: Brad Young, Todd Ware, Gavin Scott, Paul de Kort, Paul Ducker — coach Kathryn Bignold
This year we had to do some vigorous recruiting to get a 5- and 6-man team together and thanks to Matt Diggins we were able to lureGavin Scott to the Collaroy Beach Services Club to discuss a “contract” over a few beers. Fortunately the negotiations proved fruitful and we were able to secure his services for the season and therefore returning to R&R competition after being “robbed” of an Aussie medal 18 years ago. We also had another dilemma this year with finding a male patient for the 5-man team and once again we were able to find a suitable recruit from the Board and Ski Section, being Brad Young who was more than keen to help us out and was wondering why he hadn’t done it years ago. The season got off to a flying start with wins at the Coogee and Freshwater carnivals and second place at the Manly carnival. Our form carried into the Branch Titles and we convincingly won the gold medal. Unfortunately we may have peaked too early and our luck changed at the State Titles where we ended up in 5th place. At the Aussie Titles, we didn’t fair much better and bombed out in the qualifying rounds failing to make the final for the first time in a few years. Although a disappointing end to the season, a special mention to Brad Young for picking up the drill work so quickly and giving us the opportunity to compete in this event. Thanks Brad.
Open 6 Person: Emily McKie, Todd Ware, Gavin Scott, Paul de Kort, Paul Ducker, Brooke Perry — coach Kathryn Bignold
In the 6 Person event we were lucky enough to have Emily McKie and Brooke Perry join us in the Open ranks and they proved to be very valuable members of the team. We continued to improve on our runthroughs at each of the local carnivals but unfortunately we were beaten into 2nd place by Freshwater at the Branch Titles. Thanks to Kirstin Coggins who filled in during the season in both the 5 and 6 Man events and certainly did not let us down. Thanks Kirstin. At the State Titles, we began gelling together and after a strong performance in the final we came away with the Bronze medal to the
joy of all the team members. The best was still to come with this team at the Aussie Titles, when we sneaked through the early rounds and qualified for the final, which was a huge effort in itself. In the final,
the team was lucky enough to draw our best positions and when the announcement came out that we had won the Silver medal, all the team members were ecstatic and thrilled with the result. To win an Aussie medal is always a special moment for anyone especially when you can share it with others in a team event and this occasion was no different and will no doubt be a special memory for everyone involved. Also to win a medal with two females in the team including a female swimmer in the Open 6 Person event has never been done before in the history of the event and something that Emily and Brooke should be very proud of. Congratulations girls on stepping up to the mark and proving that you can match it with anyone. The team would like to thank Kathryn Bignold who has now coached us for five seasons, even though she resides on the other side of the harbour. She has attended all our training sessions without fail and has proved again that she is no doubt the number one female coach in the country. This is the last year that Kathryn will be coaching us, as she is going to teach in Vietnam for the next two years (not R&R) and the team thanks you for your ongoing commitment and we were proud to send you off with a Silver medal. Thanks again Kathryn for everything and we wish you all the best during your time overseas. Another person the team would also like to thank this year is John La Forrest from Bondi Surf Club who also helped out with coaching and proved to be very knowledgeable in the event, which isn’t surprising considering the countless number of gold medals he has won in R&R over the years. John’s expertise also helped us to get over the line in claiming medals at State and Aussies and his belief in us was certainly appreciated by the team. Thanks again John for all your help.
Belt Races
A quick mention of our “brothers” Damien Cook and Todd Ware who competed in the Open Belt Races this season. Unfortunately for Todd he didn’t come away with any medals for his efforts in the belt this year and, as was often the case, it was only a touch between qualifying and missing out. Cooky had a reasonable season in the belt considering he was suffering from an ankle injury. Cooky became the Branch Champion this year in the Open Belt which was a fantastic effort. At the Aussie Titles this year, Cooky battled his way through the early rounds and qualified for the semi final but unfortunately he finished in 4th place and just missed out on qualifying for the Open Belt final. Congratulations Cooky on a great effort and no doubt you are ready to take the next step and achieve a life long dream of joining the R&R ranks next season. Thanks to all the people who helped out with the line work for the two swimmers which included Plucka, Dave Mac, Ken Gittoes, Greg Broome, Gavin Scott, Emily McKie and Kirstin Coggins. I apologise if I have left anyone else off the list.
Ray Barker Memorial Trophy Most Outstanding R&R Competitor
This year the winner of the Ray Barker Memorial Trophy for the Most Outstanding R&R Competitor was Brooke Perry who competed as belt person in the U/19, Open Women and Open 6 Person events. Her dedication throughout the year at training was outstanding and certainly contributed to the success of these teams at the State and Australian Titles. Brooke was very competitive in the belt against all
the open male and female swimmers and as mentioned earlier she became the first female swimmer to win a medal in the Open 6 Person event at the Aussie Titles. Congratulations Brooke on a fantastic year and you are certainly a deserved winner of this award.
Stan Twight Memorial Award Most Outstanding R&R Team
This year the winners of the Stan Twight Memorial Award for the Most Outstanding R&R Team was a difficult decision but it was hard to go past the Open 6 Person R&R team of Emily McKie, Todd Ware, Gavin Scott, Paul de Kort, Paul Ducker and Brooke Perry coached by Kathryn Bignold. This team achieved some great results at the State and Aussie Titles creating a bit of surf life saving history along the
way. No doubt the athleticism of the three “buddahs” on the beach contributed greatly to the success of the team with good support from the swimmers in the water. To come away with Silver and Bronze at the Aussies and State Titles respectively was a wonderful achievement and something to be proud off.
This year there are a lot of people I would like to thank for all their support throughout the season including:
- All the coaches (Ashleigh, Jennifer, Brooke, Katie, Rhonda, Stacey, Plucka, Jacqui, Kathryn and John) who showed great dedication to all the teams throughout the season and spent many hours on the beach preparing the teams for competition;
- Peter Ruthven from Canopies Australia who supplied two tents for us at cost price, which proved to be very useful at the Aussie Titles this year due to the various weather conditions we encountered.
- Thanks also to Wettons Signs for providing the signage on the tents at no cost;
- Richard Trim and the nipper committee who purchased the tents for use by the R&R section which I’m sure will be of great benefit to us and nippers’ teams in the years to come;
- Paul “Plucka” Ducker who maintained all the R&R reels and towed the trailer to all the carnivals including the arduous trip to Aussies. Your contribution to the R&R section over the years has been outstanding and has certainly been a reason for our success and greatly appreciated;
- Greg Falk who repaired one of the R&R reels after it tried to escape from the trailer and got battered around a bit;
- I would personally like to thank Rhonda Lycett from Mona Vale Surf Club who has helped me out with coaching teams throughout the year and has had valuable input to their successes;
- Luke Hochkins and Greg MacMahon for providing assistance to the R&R teams and helping to sort out various issues;
- Janine Black for making sure all our carnival entries were completed correctly and making sure we didn’t have any problems at the carnivals;
- The Committee and the Executive for their support and assistance during the year.
As I mentioned at the start of this report, it has been an outstanding year in the R&R section this season and one that everyone involved should be proud off. Hopefully all these teams will stay together next year with the Aussie Titles finally moving to Scarborough. I think there are some teams that didn’t compete this year and who are also interested in making a comeback for the trip to the west coast. The cost to WA is going to be expensive so start saving your money and help support the club with any fundraising events. See you all again next season when we go through it all over again.
Paul de Kort
R&R Captain