A weekend of State Senior Urban Championship action concluded today in Warrnambool as the city temperature passed the 38 degree mark and the track action got hotter still.
As the temperature in Warrnambool was leading the state, the State Championships drew to a dramatic concluson. At 1.30pm Warrnambool's weather station recorded 38.5 degrees, and at the same time the contest for the Grand Aggregate and Champion Team status reached its unbelievable climax. Going into the final event, the Champion Fours, Western Australia's Bassendean led Kangaroo Flat by 6 points in the aggregate. The Flat had to finish 1st or 2nd and hope that Bassendean struggled to clinch the event and the Championships.
Kangaroo Flat benefitted from a fast time in the second round, where they were beaten by the Dandy boys, but as one of the fastest losers they got through to the final run against time. This also meant that they were the last team to run. Bassendean's run against time was gallant but not their best for the day, which left the door open for Kangaroo Flat. As they lined up on the mark they knew that they had to beat a time of around 17.2 seconds to win the Champion Fours and clinch the Grand Aggregate.
The team was good enough by a fair margin, as they recorded the only 16 second time in the event, taking the win and sealing the Champion Team title. Bassendean were gracious in defeat, knowing that when their best was needed they didn't quite pull it out. Sadly for the sandgropers this loss was followed by another loss in the state versus state challenge which finished the day.
As a Brigade the Warrnambool Team continued the work after the events to start the clean-up of an effort that started over two weeks previously at the State juniors. The Brigade is very appreciative of the support received from the City of Warrnambool, VFBV and the DMOs, and the various sponsors, supporters, helpers and organisations such as South Warrnambool Footy Club who share the venue with the Brigade. The CFA also played a great hand, mounting an excellent display and bringing several trucks for people to check out. In particular the Brigade enjoyed the support of the Chief Officer and his wife who spent three days at the event, speaking to anyone and everyone, and showing much interest in the people the events and the city. The Chief also spent time at Warrnambool Station, catching up with staff and volunteers.
To conclude, we get back to business. At 9.40pm after the demo there's an alarm at the local TAFE, and that brings us all back to reality after a fantastic weekend. Oh, and apparently its a TFB tomorrow...
More information and pictures:
http://www.standard.net.au/story/1357053/rivalry-ensures-fire-fighting-sports-survival/?cs=72
http://www.standard.net.au/story/1354186/gallery-firefighters-feel-pressure-of-competition-in-warrnambool/?cs=135
http://www.standard.net.au/story/1357094/fire-risks-high/?cs=72
Author: David Ferguson