Batemans Bay’s female masters surfboat crew have followed up their gold at the NSW SLS state titles earlier this month with a bronze at national titles in Queensland this week.

Competing in the 160 division, the girls navigated a snappy shorebreak at Kirra Beach in Queensland to finish just behind winners Manly, and second-place getters Mermaid Beach.

Sweep Neil Innes said the girls once again showed they can match it with the best.

“We knew from going against them at the state titles that Manly are an elite squad,” he said.

“The girls rowed really well and, if a bit more luck had gone their way, they could have been on top.

“It’s worth remembering that two members of the crew are in their first year of competitive surfboat rowing.”

Fresh from their success in Newcastle, the crew of Tracy Innes, Barbara Van Luin, Megan Duros, and Fran Campbell managed two firsts in their heats, before winning again in the semis to set up their top three finish in the final.

Batemans Bay’s reserves and A men’s crews will also take to the water at the event this week.