ICC pair pipped at the post

ILLAWARRA Canoe Club (ICC) duo Michael Lock and Ian Timbrell were just edged out in a thrilling finish to the doubles race of the NSW Ocean Racing Championships at Wollongong on Sunday.

Lock and Timbrell were half a boat length behind winners Dean Gardiner and Nick Holt when the field returned to Wollongong Harbour after racing to East Corrimal Point and back.

After an even start, the field paddled north against the swell and wind with Gardiner and Holt leading the pack, while Timbrell and Lock hugged the shoreline.

Gardiner and Holt turned first with the ICC duo two boat lengths behind.

The leaders chased the swell back to Wollongong Harbour, while Timbrell and Lock stayed offshore and chased the runners in a direct line back to Wollongong Harbour.

That set up a thrilling sprint finish with Gardiner and Holt hanging on by half a boat length.

Fellow local paddlers Robert Barry and Darren Lee (40-49 years men’s double winners) were third across the line followed by Mark Minchinb and Greg Cooper.

Former Australian junior kayaker Elyse Yardley and Jason Foye easily won the mixed doubles.

The win booked Gardiner and Holt airfare to compete at the King of the Harbour in New Zealand. They also snared the $1000 cash prize donated to the race, by no other than Gardiner.

The championships opened with the 23km singles race from Stanwell Park to Wollongong Harbour on Saturday.

Tim Jacobs blitzed the field to win the open men’s division ahead of Gardiner and ICC’s Cade Barnes.

Jacobs will also represent NSW in the King of the Harbour in New Zealand later in the year.

Gardiner won the over 40s race ahead of Lee Johnson and Robert Barry, while Noel Yates took out the over 50s ahead of Gary David and Bob Hodge. Joanna Dounjas won the women’s ahead of Teresa Johnson.