Difficult task for lifesavers

Press, 11 February 1983, Page 24

Difficult task for lifesavers

BY

RAY CAIRNS

While the Canterbury women', surf lifesaving team looks set to regain the national inter-district title at Paekakariki at the end of the month, the men might face a more difficult task.

For the first time in many years, the men’s team will probably not go out as favourite for the” six-man rescue and resuscitation title; nor does it look to have enough depth to be a serious challenger for the surf teams’ title.

There is great strength in the women's team, however, perhaps pne of the strongest fielded by Canterbury. Such is the depth that Melanie Jones (Waimairi) has missed out. and Andrea McKendry (New Brighton) was not considered becuase she can-

not attend training. Steve Johnton (Waimairi). now teaching in Wanganui, was similarly not considered for the men's team, which has Carl Immers, Darryl Neate. Simon Davis (Taylors Mistake), Kelvin Bishop (South Brighton). Chris Ellis (Waikuku Beach) and Lachie Marshall (New Brighton) as the six-man team.

The latter two, specialist swimmers, have had limited experience in six-man. but the Barry Turpin, Harley Turnbull and Miss Jan Pinkerton) faced many options. The team-mates for Ellis and Marshall in the surf race are Immers and Bishop, selectors (Messrs Allen Lee. Geoff Walker (Waimairi) captains the team, in which Chris Campbell (Spencer Park) is the beach sprinter; Gary Connor (Waikuku Beach) arid Martin Beks (South Brighton) the junior swimmers; and North Beach A the boat crew.

That team is Steve and Dave Pipe, Terry Kreft, John Clark and Mark Carrington, the latter

two likely to join Campbell and Davis in the beach relay. But the latter must be a suspect choice for that event, as he is still hobbling a little after an offseason knee operation.

Teresa Stanley (Taylors Mistake), Sonia O’Connelly, Janice Murdoch (Waimairi) and Lynette Griffiths (New Brighton) are the women swimmers, the latter pair being joined by Mary Gibson (Waimairi). Janice Beaumont, Jo Barry and Pat Horne (South Brighton) in the drill team.

Such is the depth of the team that two young beach sprinters, Debbie Stillings (New Brighton) and Anthea Forbes (Waimairi), ahev been chosen solely for the relay. Murdoch is the team captain.