Emma Corrin, 15, as she crossed the finish line in first place.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Water droplets quivered at the edge of the paddle blades, suspended for one tremulous moment, then fizzed as they splashed back home to the river. The crafts to which the paddles belonged sliced their lines through the water, leaving wakes so clean that one would be forgiven for thinking river, paddle and canoe were destined by some will of nature to meet.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
On the weekend of December 14 and 15, dozens of avid canoeists from across Victoria and NSW hit the water to compete in several events for the annual Murray Triple Crown canoeing event.
The Ben Ward 40 Miler, named in memory of the late Ben Ward of the Cobram Barooga Canoe Club, the Thompsons Beach Circuit and Murray Handicap were the three races across weekend.
Cobram Barooga local Emma Corrin took home the coveted award of Queen of the Murray for her win in the Ben Ward 40 Miler Junior race, completing the 64km course in an impressive five hours, 31 minutes, and 24.7 seconds.
Corrin is a star on the rise. At just 15 years old, her time made her the youngest competitor, and the first female, to win the Ben Ward 40 Miler Junior event in its history.
Lachlan Debasso took home gold in the Senior category of the Ben Ward 40 Miler.
Meanwhile, Brett Greenwood of Lane Cove River Kayakers was crowned King of the Murray.
There was no short supply of impressive performances from other members of the Cobram Barooga Canoe Club at the weekend. For instance, Clive Cromack competed in all three events from the weekend, covering a total distance of 84km across the two days.
Meanwhile, Jack Corrin, 10, became the youngest winner of the Junior 20km event on Saturday, finishing with a time of one hour, 52 minutes, and 29 seconds.
Home-grown talents Hunter Iskov and Callum Lincoln proved their mettle, winning the Junior 20km doubles in one hour, 36 minutes, and 23 seconds. The pair were closely trailed by fellow club members Ben Curnick and Julian Guthrie.
Iskov, Lincoln and Curnick united to take home gold in the Junior Men’s Relay.
TheCourier’s Owen Sinclair was down at Thompson’s Beach to snap some of the action.
Brett Greenwood sets his eyes on the finish line.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Lachlan Debasso powers across the finish line in the Ben Ward 40 Miler Senior race.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Kayla Whinray digs in as she ends her race.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Dmytro Medvedyev made it look all too easy.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
