Jervis Bay make it two in a row

In July 2019, we asked the question Can anyone stop the Kiama Coasters?

And in response, by October 2019, it was pretty clear that the Jervis Bay Dolphins ‘Had a point to prove’. Apparently, as President Rod Rose stated back then “The forecast from Triathlon NSW that JBTC would again run last in the series ruffled a few feathers”.

Not sure how many dolphins have feathers, but either way, it was the Jervis Bay Dolphins who took out the victory last season and proved us wrong. But with the season cut short prematurely, they would have felt that the victory was not the definitive statement they wished to make to those who doubted them – i.e. this writer!

As the Forager South Coast Triathlon League results came through this season, it was clear that a Grand Final Showdown awaited South Coast Heavyweights  and it would come down to these two fierce but friendly competitors – the Jervis Bay Dolphins and the Kiama Coasters.  Both clubs amassed the biggest teams they could, engaging current and new members alike, to make the long trip up the coast to Forster for the double points round at the TNSW Club Champs.

But the answer to the questions we asked is – Yes, Kiama can be stopped and Jervis Bay truly proved Triathlon NSW WRONG by taking out their second ICS victory. After the club held only the slightest of leads coming into the final round, but ended up extending their lead after winning by a solid 3 points on the day.

The victory would be all the more sweet, after Kiama edged Jervis Bay out in Division 2 of the Club Champs. But the Interclub Series, which allows clubs of all sizes to compete in the same division and takes into account a clubs performance across an entire season was the true goal of the Dolphins and a true reflection of their clubs commitment and improvement in the region.

Club President Rod Rose was thrilled with the result, which lifted the entire spirit of the club after the administrative error which left them second in Division 2. Rose added ‘The Interclub Series tussle with the Coasters has invigorated the club and the season long battle has been captivating. So to win with such a close finish was truly exciting…we are definitely motivated to compete well as a club next year. We have some new strategies but don’t intend on sharing those with our friendly rivals! But in time, they’ll find out!

Kiama Triathlon Club took out second overall, but would be incredibly pleased with their results, not just at Club Champs, where they emerged victorious despite an administrative error incorrectly announcing the wrong victor on the night but across the entire season. A wonderful club, lead by their inspirational leader Geoff Besnard and the rest of their members.

Club President Besnard stated “We are small club blessed with some very talented athletes and amazing supportive membership. We’ll be back next season, and the Coasters want to retain Club Champs but retake the mantle as the best club in the South Coast again!”

Shellharbour Triathlon Club, led by their inspirational leader and club president Rob Spicer, would be immensely proud of their third overall in the South Coast Interclub. Given the club has a huge strategic focus on juniors, which culminated in their successful victory in the Junior Club Champs Division, yet still managed to impress the scoreboard despite not having a large quantity of adult members. The question on the lips of both Jervis Bay and Kiama TC is, who will be able to stop the ‘Mariners’ when that huge volume of quality junior athletes are eligible to start earning points in the Interclub Series!

Illawarra Cannons faded towards the end of the season and would have been hopeful that the result would have been different after a successful start. But with renewed vigour amongst the committee and further focus it wouldn’t be surprising to see them bigger and better next season. Likewise the Eurocoast Nomads who have some incredibly strong athletes in their stable. If they ever focused on this competition, there would be no doubt they would be very successful.