Due to the geographic spread of the Far South Coast, many of the team only met their fellow team members on the long bus ride north, but an instant bond was formed. 

The event was moved from Catherine Hill Bay to the more sheltered Swansea Belmont stretch of beach near Newcastle.

Rhys Davis, a member of the men’s open team - he came fourth in the swim - said that it was a positive experience for the younger members to see the standard of competition that they could aspire to achieve.

“It’s been a fantastic competition, and while it’s had its challenges it has been great to see how the younger guys have stood up and really had a go during the competition,” Davis said. 

 “Some of them looked absolutely shattered after competing in that big swell, but they’ve had a great time, a lot of fun and really enjoyed the experience.

“As a senior member of the team, I think my role was to set a good example in my events and just do my best. 

It’s been great though, team spirit is very high, and the team has come together almost like a family,” he said.

Tathra under 17 competitor Leonard Chihumbiri said he was enjoying his first Interbranch Championships and the opportunity to hang out with other members of the team.

“We’ve even managed to put aside our usual rivalry between Tathra and Pambula clubs and all work together,” Leonard said.

The energetic sprinter, originally from Zimbabwe, contested the beach flags and sprint events. 

Apart from the long 11 hour drive to Newcastle, Leonard said the weekend was a fantastic experience.