KEY POINTS:
New South Wales Country gave their two rival regions a lesson in determination at the first test of the Transtasman Surf Lifesaving series at Orewa yesterday.
Of the 27 events NSW won 10, while fellow Australian region Central Coast won eight and the local Kiwi team from Northern Region bagged seven.
By the end of the carnival the test became a two-horse race between the two Australian regional representative teams.
New South Wales Country had a well-structured 18-strong team with experience in the age groups and genders, while Central Coast covered a number of open positions with age-group athletes.
Northern Region found the pace overwhelming on occasions and will need a marked improvement, especially in the swimming events.
"We enjoy coming over to New Zealand to compete against Central Coast and Northern Region and it was great to repeat our performance of four years ago," said New South Wales Country captain, Rob Miles.
"The competition between our team and Central Coast is very strong, especially this year with our trip to Auckland.
"Our under-19 water competitors and our beach runners set a strong platform on the points table," he said. "Haden White was very strong in our under-19 competition section, adding to his win in his age group at the Coolangatta Gold at home."
Standout performer for the home team was Michael Lee, who won the combined ski race and the under-19 beach flags. Vaughan Roberts was another local competitor to shine, winning both the open beach flags and sprint events.
The best of the women was Rachael Clarke, winning both the combined ski race and the under-19 women's ironman and finishing second in the combined women's surf race.
