The first round of the 2009/2010 Warilla Bowls Surf Boat Series was held at picturesque Pambula Beach on Saturday, November 7.

This is the first time in the 10 year history of the series that Pambula has played host to a round of the event.

The 68 competing crews were met with a fine sunny day and a light to moderate on shore wind produced typical summer surf conditions for the crews.

In the Open Men’s division, Austinmer Blue and Batemans Bay led after the preliminary rounds with two wins and a second from their three races. The final was held in choppy conditions with Austinmer Blue holding a slight lead at the turning buoys. The chaser came thick and fast on the return journey but in the end, Austinmer Blue produced a final sprint to hold out the fast finishing Moruya Vikings and Windang.

Windang were the leading crew in the Open Women’s event after the preliminary rounds closely followed by the Moruya Viqueens. The final was an excellent race with Windang and the Viqueens each having a turn at leading. In the end, the Moruya Viqueens held on to win from Windang who were closely followed by Warilla Barrack Point, Austinmer and the Moruya Vikings.

The Austinmer Blue Reserves lead after the preliminary races winning all three. This crew is made up with a majority of last seasons Australian under 23s winning crew. Last season’s Australian finalists Bulli and Batemans Bay both had two wins and a second in the heats and indications were that the final would be something special. The crews did not disappoint and in one of the best finishes of the day, Bulli put in an exceptional row to hold off a final challenge from Austinmer with Broulee third. The Bulli boys have shown they have carried their good form into the new season.

The under 23s Men’s event produced a real surprise result. Woonona were the only crew in any division to go through the day undefeated. They won the three preliminary races and then went on to win the final from Batemans Bay, Corrimal and the new North Wollongong crew.