Kiwis dominate Australian surf rivals

New Zealand’s world championship campaign got off to a great start at the Australian surf lifesaving pool rescue championships over the weekend.

With four months until Rescue 2010 in Egypt, the New Zealand pool squad warmed up by taking on the cream of Australian talent in Melbourne.

Led by North Shore swimmer Andrew McMillan, the Kiwis picked up 11 golds over the two-day meet, delighting coach Scott Bartlett.

“The times were very pleasing and it’s really given us a very good platform while we continue our buildup to the worlds,” Bartlett said.

McMillan won the 200m obstacle race, with compatriot Steve Kent second, with the pair sharing identical placings in the 100m rescue medley.

Kent continued a busy meet with an Australian record of 31.66secs in winning the 50m manikin carry and the Wellington 22-year-old also finished third in the 100m manikin with fins race.

Bartlett nominated Wellington teenager Sam Lee as the female performer of the meet, after her twin wins in the 200m obstacles and 100m rescue medley, while the 17-year-old also finished third in the 50m manikin carry.

Julia Toomey picked up silver medals in the 50m manikin carry and 100m manikin carry with fins, also grabbing fourth in the 100m rescue medley.

Team veteran Glenn Anderson chimed in late in the meet with a win in the 200m Super Lifesaver event, while New Zealand relay teams added another five golds.

Their performances didn’t escape Australian coach Brett Dowker.

 “On paper, this current crop of New Zealand athletes is the best I’ve seen and I think they’ll push us all the way at Rescue 2010,” Dowker said.

“I’m confident that the Australian team we send to Egypt will be strong enough to defend our title, but we’ll be challenged like never before.”

New Zealand named a 12-strong world championship squad in April but the Australian team will be picked in the next fortnight.