North Burleigh Surf Life Saving Club has returned to the summit of IRB racing in Australia, after a series of outstanding performances saw the club take out the overall title at the 2011 Australian IRB Championships at Glenelg Beach in South Australia today.
In glorious conditions, North Burleigh won four of the nine events on offer at the Championships finishing on 30 points in the overall pointscore, narrowly ahead of New South Wales clubs, South Maroubra on 26 and Kiama Downs on 23.
The win saw the Gold Coast-club reclaim the mantle of Australia’s premier IRB racing club, which they relinquished in 2009 and 2010 after an unprecedented eight-year run as National champions.
When asked what this meant to the club, victorious captain, Andy Kelckhoven, summed it up succinctly.
“It’s massive for everyone involved, just massive," said Kelckhoven, whose excitement was mirrored by all his team mates.
“Everyone in the team has worked so hard to get this point and to come away with the trophy is such a great feeling.
We wish to congratulate the North Burleigh IRB Team and thank everyone involved in getting the team to this position - Coaches, Team Managers, Handlers, Competitors, Supporters and family, Sponsors - Allied Pickfords for their transport of the Club's equipment and Eversafe for donating a new winning IRB to the Club! Also a special mention to the businesses behind the scene that support the Club and the IRB section - Midcoast Marine & Thundercat Inflatables. What a great way to lead into a new Season...
