ECKSTEIN AND PLUIMERS BOUNCE BACK FROM DISAPPOINTMENTS

February 7: One day made a big difference for Shannon Eckstein and Elizabeth Pluimers as they bounced back to take out their round four races in the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain Ironman Series at Alexandra Headland today.

The Northcliffe pair was disappointed with their results yesterday - Eckstein beaten by Ky Hurst's miracle last-to-first wave, while Pluimers struggled throughout the day - but were smiling after impressive wins today.

In tough two metre waves, Eckstein used his surf skills and his speed on the ski to win a hotly contested men's round from Hugh Dougherty (Tugun) and Rhys Drury (Dicky Beach).

The women's field was pounded by big waves in the ski leg but Pluimers was able to find a gap in the white water to break clear and safely negotiate her way to the finish ahead of Hayley Bateup (Kurrawa) and Courtney Hancock (Northcliffe).

Eckstein leads the men's series and Bateup is in front in the women's, with the final to be contested at North Cronulla on February 21.