Eckstein Set to Add an 8th Ironman Series Title

Its almost inevitable that Shannon Eckstein will add another series title to his belt as he holds a 19 point lead with only the final round remaining of the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series. Eckstein only needs to complete the course to claim the series victory. After a controversial finish in Round 3, which saw Shannon with a face full of sand 10 metres from the finishing line, Shannon bounced back to take back to back victories in Round 4 and 5.

In the womens series, Courtney Hancock holds a 7 point lead over North Burleigh's Elizabeth Pluimers after she claimed victory in Round 5. Kristyl Smith is sitting in 3rd place with Rebecca Creedy in 4th and Maddy Dunn in 5th.

For accumulated points after 5 rounds, click here.

The final round will be held on the 23 February 2014 at Coolum on the Sunshine Coast.

GREAT START TO THE KNG SERIES FOR BMD NORTHCLIFFE

Shannon Eckstein & Courtney Hancock have certainly picked up where they left off last season, after the defending champions had a successful weekend of racing to claim the top of the ladder after 2 rounds. 

Courtney dominated, winning both rounds over the weekend. In round 1, treacherous conditions saw race organisers reduce the girls race to just the swim / board legs, siting safety concerns. Kristyl Smith showed her experience to finish in 2nd place and youngster, Maddy Dunn, a credible 4th. In Round 2, conditions had subsided and the ski leg was reintroduced for the eliminator format. This made little difference for all rounder Courtney, with another comfortable win, ahead of Maddy Dunn in 2nd, proving she will be a force to be reckoned with this season. Kristyl Smith displayed her consistency with another podium finish in 3rd place. After the 2 Rounds, Courtney leads with 40 points, ahead of Kristyl on 32 and Maddy on 30 points.

In the men's races, Shannon came away with a victory in very testing conditions in Round 1. Brother, Caine finished 5th and Tanyn Lyndon rounded out the top 10. In Round 2, Shannon showed consistency finishing 2nd behind Newport's, Kendrick Louis. Shannon still remains on top of the table on 37 points, 2 points clear of Louis. Caine Eckstein is in 5th place with Tanyn Lydon in 7th place.

Round 3, 4 & 5 will be held at Newcastle beach on the 14th & 15th December.

Click Here for Men's Results & Series Ladder

Click Here for Women's Results & Series Ladder

Fatal Incident Statement

It is with sincere sadness that I regretfully advise you of the unfortunate and untimely passing of one of our young members.

Jerry Dennis, a 17 year old member, was participating in a Club training session on a flat water canal at Mermaid Waters when it appears he came off is board soon after training had commenced at 4.00pm. Jerry was not able to be recovered from the water for some 45 minutes as fellow members, as well as members from Mermaid Beach SLSC systematically searched for him.

Jerry was a well liked young man with so much before him. He was a talented swimmer with a skill set destined for future success. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry's family and everyone that knew him. Our members have lost someone dear to them and we as a family are grieving the loss of this fine young man.

Counseling has commenced for those involved in yesterday's tragic incident. If any member requires further counseling, please call the club as soon as possible so we can arrange it. Details with regard to funeral and memorial dates and times will be distributed as soon as know.

David Shields
Club President

QLD State Champions for the 10th Year!

Congratulations to BMD Northcliffe for taking out their 10th consecutive QLD Senior Championships on the weekend held on the Sunshine Coast. 

BMD Northcliffe dominated the major finals with wins in both the Open Male & Open Female Double Ski, Murray Stewart, Joel Simpson and Tate Smith went 1, 2, 3 in the Open Male Single Ski, Courtney Hancock, Miranda Bell, Eliza Smith and Harriet Brown filled the top 4 positions in the Open Female Surf Race and Dev Lahey claimed gold in the Open Male Surf Race. In the Open Ironwoman, Courtney Hancock claimed silver with Harriet Brown in 3rd. Harriet also added a silver to her haul in the Open Female Board Race while Mark Bint claimed Bronze in the Open Male Board Race after leading for the entire race. Shannon Eckstein won silver in the Open Ironman and added a gold in the Restricted Surf Race. Our Open Male Boat Crew also had a great weekend claiming Bronze.

We finished the carnival by dominating the Open Male and Female Taplin Relays. The boys had a convincing victory while the our girls claimed both gold and silver. 

Our Masters only had a small contingent make the trip to the Sunshine Coast where the local clubs dominated. Hopefully we will have our full contingent for Aussies in a few weeks time and the tables can turn.

Click here for QLD Senior Championship Results

Click here for QLD Masters Championships Results

2013 QLD JUNIOR STATE CHAMPIONS!

Congratulations to our Nippers who took out the QLD State Championships at Hervey Bay on the weekend in convincing fashion. BMD Northcliffe finished on top of the pointscore, 58 points ahead of last years winners, Maroochydore.

Some very strong performances in team events gave BMD Northcliffe a 50 point lead heading into the final day of competition.

Some of the stand out performances were from Elly Wikaire (2 gold, 3 silver, 2 bronze), Toby Redler (2 gold, 3 silver), Bailey Armstrong (2 gold, 3 silver), Laura Taylor (2 gold, 4 silver), Scarlett Fahey (2 gold, 1 bronze) Maddy Bravery (1 gold, 5 silver, 1 bronze).

Click here for all of BMD Northcliffe's Results

Overall Pointscore

1st BMD Northcliffe 325

2nd Maroochydore 267

3rd Currumbin 154 

KNG Ironman & Telstra Ironwoman Series Champions

BMD Northcliffe athletes claimed both the Kellogg's Ironman Series & Telstra Ironwoman Series Crowns at the final round of the series at Noosa on the weekend.

Shannon Eckstein had a commanding lead heading in to the final round and only needed to finish in the top 9 to maintain his lead. In the eliminator format, Shannon only had to make it to the 4th race of 5 to ensure the series win which he did comfortably. In the final race it was a 3 way battle for most of the way between Shannon, Ali Day & Kendrick Louis. In the end Ali came away with the win with Kendrick in 2nd and Shannon in 3rd, his 6th podium position from 6 races this season and claiming his 7th overall series crown. Mitch Miller also qualified through to the final race which was enough to secure him automatic qualification for next years series.

In the girls race Courtney Hancock didn't have it quite as easy, trailing Naomi Flood by 8 points heading in to the final round but a shock 2nd race elimination for Flood all but sealed the series win for Courtney. Courtney, who battled the flu all week, managed to finish in 4th place for the round. Sister Bonnie and Harriet Brown also made it to final race of the eliminator format which sealed their automatic qualification for next years series.

For more results go to http://surfironmanseries.com/ and http://surfironwomanseries.com/

Double BMD Northcliffe Victory in Round 5

Courtney Hancock claimed her first win of the season, dominating Round 5 of the Telstra Ironwoman Series by winning both Ironwoman races to gain the lowest score possible to claim the win. It was a good day all round for the BMD Northcliffe girls with Harriet Brown finishing 4th & Bonnie Hancock in 5th.Courtney now only trails series leader, Naomi Flood by 8 points, still having a good chance at the series title. Harriet & Bonnie are now comfortably in the top 10 overall which should mean automatic qualification for next season.

In the Men's race, Shannon Eckstein made a great comeback to claim his 3rd victory of the season. Shannon lost his ski in the first race while in the lead and ended up in 7th. He then went on to dominate, winning the final 2 races. Shannon now leads the series comfortably by 56 points in to the final round. He only needs to finish in the top 9 at Noosa next weekend to claim his 7th Ironman Series title. Given that he hasn't finished off the podium all season and surf is unlikely at Noosa, its looking good. Mitch Miller finished in 10th on the weekend and currently sits in 10th overall in the series. Cory Hill finished 14th in his 2nd race back after injury and Jake Nicholson fished in 16th.

The 6th and final round heads to Noosa this Sunday. Watch the television coverage on channel 10 from 2pm - 5pm.

For more info go to http://surfironmanseries.com/ or http://surfironwomanseries.com/

The Professor on Top after 3 Rounds

Shannon "The Professor" Eckstein is back to his best, leading the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series. Shannon had a victory in Round 1 in Perth, a 3rd in Newcastle and then claimed victory again on the weekend at Portsea in the Triple Sprint Format. Shannon shared the leaders jersey with Matt Poole after Round 2 but now sits on top, 32 points in front of Ali Day. Mitch Miller, has remained consistent throughout the first 3 rounds despite slicing his toe on the starting ramp at Newcastle. Mitch currently sits safely in the top 10 in 7th place. Rookie, Jake Nicholson sits in 16th place and Cory Hill is yet to get on the board due to injury ruling him out of the first 3 rounds.

In the Telstra Ironwoman Series, Courtney Hancock remains consistent with a 2nd in round 1, 4th in round 2 and another 2nd place in Portsea. She currently sits in 3rd place on the progressive pointscore.  Harriet Brown is sitting in 6th place overall after her 4th placing at Portsea bumped her up a few positions. Bonnie Hancock is currently in 12th after competing on an injured foot at Portsea.

The Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series and Telstra Ironwoman Series heads to Queensland for the final 3 rounds on consecutive weekends commencing Saturday 9 February at Surfers Paradise.

For information go to http://surfironmanseries.com/

and http://surfironwomanseries.com/