Are the Cronulla Sharks circling their prey, ready to attack in the Sydney Premier League?
For those on the outside, it might appear as if the Sydney Triathlon Premier League is following the script that it many feared.
The Hills Triathlon Club, the largest club in NSW, won the Sydney South West Interclub Series in its first instalment by a margin that some would describe as a landslide, beating the second placed Cronulla Sharks by over 42 points.
And they currently sit on top of the Sydney Triathlon Premier League Ladder, after a comprehensive ‘Max Out’ in Round 1 and Round 3.
But a quick exploration into the data shows that the Cronulla Tri Club is ready to strike! The next three rounds gives the Cronulla Sharks a very real chance at three ‘Max Outs’ in a row – with the calendar taking in Kurnell 1 (Sunday 24th November), Kurnell 2 (Sunday 18th January) and the Richie Walker Aquathon (Sunday 8th February). For many in Cronulla, Kurnell is considered a home race, and there is no reason to think they won’t be walking away with the maximum amount of points available. And off course, Richie Walker is a race conducted out of Gunnamatta Park, their actual home base, so anything except a Max Out would be considered a disappointment.
By contrast, last year, the Hills Red Army saw this period of the competition to be their biggest slump in form, dropping 30 possible points, with their poorest result being only 9.5 out of 25 at Kurnell 2.
And we roll into the final three rounds – Big Husky, Wollongong and Club Championships, it is officially GAME on!
Triathlon NSW spoke with Adam Hummerston, president of Cronulla Triathlon Club who took over the role of President a few months ago, after replacing Ian Ross, who had been president for the past 8 years and had been a fantastic servant of the sport and club.
Hummo, as he is known to his mates, stated ‘We can’t wait to get some home course advantage and give this thing a real shake. We’re pretty confident we’ll be at these events in huge numbers and whilst the Interclub is all fun and games, it would be great to get Cronulla back to the top, where we know we belong. We look forward to welcoming members from other clubs to the Shire and encourage everyone to give the Richie Walker Aquathon a try, or if you are regular, return again’.
This event was designed to honour much-liked club member Richie who passed away from a heart condition in the 1980’s All profits are donated in Richie’s name to The Heart Foundation, assisting their research into the causes and cures of heart disease.
Over the years this race has been held by the Cronulla Triathlon Club, the competitors, have helped raise over $31,000 for the Heart Foundation. The club take no profits from the event, which is something they are supremely proud off.
This event is Round 6 of the Sydney Triathlon League calendar is also doubles up as the NSW Aquathon State Championship event, so there is plenty on the line. Registration are now open.
The Cronulla Triathlon Club is situated in the birthplace of triathlon in Australia and has a rich history of past and present champions, and members who come together in a shared passion for triathlon and community spirit. Their clubs is built on values of health, fun, community and respect.
The club also proudly owns the title of having the most Australian World, National and Local Elite and Age Group Champions as members. They have produced some out right champions of the sport that have shaped the way people train and race, including Chris McCormack, Craig Alexander and Jennifer McDonald, reigning MVP for the Cronulla Triathlon Club.
For more info on the Cronulla Tri Club: https://www.cronullatriclub.com.au/
To register in Kurnell 1: https://www.eliteenergy.com.au/event/triathlon-nsw-sprint-series-kurnell-nov/
