SHANNON TAKES BACK THE CROWN

Shannon Eckstein took out the 2009 Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series after claiming a convincing victory in the final round of the series at Coogee. Eckstein blew his rivals away with sheer power to bag the final round and collect $33,000 in prizemoney for his fourth KNG title.

Pierce Leonard finished 2nd in the final round boosting his overall series position up to 4th. Zane's 4th place in the final round was enough to secure runner up in the series behind Shannon.

In the womens race Defending Series Champion Elizabeth Pluimers did all that she could to defend her title by winning the final round but unfortunately the positions behind her decided the overall series winner with Manly's Naomi Flood taking out the crown. Elizabeth was happy with her best performance of the season after battling injury early in the season. In the overall standings Kristyl Smith claimed 2nd with Elizabeth in 3rd and Courtney Hancock in 4th.

Overall Series Results - Male
1st - Shannon Eckstein
2nd - Zane Holmes
4th - Pierce Leonard
6th - Nathan Smith
12th - Luke Nisbet

Overall Series Results - Female
2nd - Kristyl Smith
3rd - Elizabeth Pluimers
4th - Courtney Hancock
13th - Bonnie Hancock
16th - Flora Manciet
17th - Kirsten Ulmer

Well done to all of the above BMD Northcliffe athletes!

Australian Team Honours

Six BMD Northcliffe Members have been named in the Australian Team to compete in the 2009 International Challenge being held in South Africa in March.

Congratulations to -
Shannon Eckstein (Captain)
Kristyl Smith
Zane Holmes
Courtney Hancock
Nathan Smith
Elizabeth Pluimers

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Series

After 4 rounds completed of the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman series, several BMD Northcliffe athletes are in contention to take out the overall series title. Shannon Eckstein on 69 leads the mens field 3 points clear of Zane Holmes on 66, with Nathan Smith in 4th on 52 points and Pierce Leonard in 5th with 51 points.

In the womens field, Courtney Hancock is sitting in 2nd place on 51, Kristyl Smith in 3rd on 49 and Elizabeth Pluimers 4th on 45 points.

The final round which will decide the overall series winners will be held at Coogee Beach on 22 February 2009 with double points on offer.