Danny Buderus and a kid called “Woody” inspire Blues on Day One of Interstates
Surf Life Saving Australia, January 23, 2014: New South Wales has been inspired by the words of State of Origin rugby league captain Danny Buderus and the performances of teenage swim star Brad Woodward on day one of the Surf Life Saving Australia National Interstate Championships in Sydney today.
Buderus addressed the teams on the eve of the championships and his stirring words of advice certainly fired up the Blues for the Pool Rescue events at Ryde Aquatic Centre.
But it was Central Coast teenager Woodward who certainly led from the front for a fired up Blues outfit – determined to keep the coveted Interstate trophy in NSW.
The NSW team, captained by Ironman star Kendrick Louis, hold the narrowest of margins after a competitive day’s racing in the pool, accumulating 341 points to Queensland’s 340 points with Western Australia in third on 215 points across the Under 17, Under 19 and Open divisions.
Woodward finished the day with three wins and a second from four starts with his victories coming in the Under 17, 200m Obstacles, the 50m with Fins and the 100m rescue medley.
Louis said it was Buderus’ words that motivated the team but Woodward’s actions that inspired them.
“It was Danny who told us to be ‘the ultimate team mate’ and no matter who is in the opposition’s team to do the best you can for your own team mates,” said Louis, who will lead the Blues in the surf tomorrow against the Shannon Eckstein led Queensland Cyclones.
“But all of us were amazed at the swimming ability and never say die attitude of Brad – who is known as ‘Woody’ in the team - he was inspiring that’s for sure.
“His ability to come from behind and the fact that he is never beaten is what it’s all about.
“We will carry that inspiration into the surf tomorrow where we know we have to make every place count – the same as Queensland.”
Even Queensland coach Wade Sinclair conceded he too was impressed with the multi-talented Shelley Beach youngster.
“He certainly caught the eye,” said Sinclair, “particularly his underwater work, which was outstanding.
“But our youngsters can wait to hit the water at Newport – they are chomping at the bit after being in camp since Monday.”
Other standouts today included Queensland Olympian Ryan Napoleon who notched wins in the 50m with Fins, the 100m Rescue Medley and the 200m Obstacles and NSW Tim Schofield who finished second to Napoleon on two occasions and Sam Bell in the Super Lifesaver and who managed to lower Napoleon’s colours in the 50m Manikin Carry.
The teams will contest the surf and beach events at Newport tomorrow with recent heavy swells on the Northern Beaches certain to make it an interesting day.
NSW will be led by Louis, Elouera’s Australian champion Dane Farrell, Manly’s Australian open surf race gold medallist and today’s 200m Obstacles winner Georgia Miller and young Woodward in the Under 17s, determined to hang on to their domination over a Maroons team that includes Eckstein, Courtney Hancock, Melissa Howard, Matt Bevilacqua and Jordan Mercer.
The State/Territory teams from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory will continue the ocean and beach racing tomorrow at Newport Beach from 8:20am.
For more event information, today’s pointscore and results visit sls.com.au/interstates/results
Issued on behalf of Surf Life Saving Australia
Ian Hanson
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