Kiwis claim the E.C.Griffith Cup

by Bob Wonders on 2 Dec 2008 Not content with the Rugby League World Cup, New Zealand’s powerful team of Annihilator boats, 1, 2 and 3, have taken the legendary E.C.Griffith Cup back across the ditch.

Symbol of supremacy in Unlimited Unrestricted powerboat racing between Australia and New Zealand, the Kiwis made good their promise that they were headed for Yarrawonga and Lake Mulwala with winning in mind.

Staged by the Victorian Speed Boat Club with valuable support from Yarrawonga Tourism, the cup attracted good crowds and widespread interest.

Warwick Lupton, at the wheel of ‘Annihilator’, claimed the prestigious trophy after a race which had him involved in a neck and neck tussle with ‘GP 1’ and Grant Harrison.

Harrison edged ahead on lap three, but mechanical problems hit and he failed to finish. It was hard fought racing all the way as the water chopped up during the event and drivers were wary of blow overs with gusty winds across the course.

With the huge supercharged engines employed aboard the hydroplanes, all pumping out 1800-plus horsepower, it was a no holds-barred clash from start to finish.

Warwick Lupton, his boat running smoothly, finally pulled away and declared post race that seeing Harrison slow down felt ‘bloody marvelous.’

“I was leading the race three –years ago on the final lap when the same thing happened to me,” he said.

“As the saying goes, that’s racing.”

It proved to be a grand weekend for the Lupton clan with Ken Lupton piloting ‘Annihilator 3’ into second place from David Gleeson in ‘Kryptonite.’

Then came ‘Warlord’ (Brett Niddrie), ‘Aussie Connection’ (Mark Healy) and ‘Image’ (Craig Lewis).

For the hydroplane drivers and their supports teams all eyes now turn to New Zealand for the UIM World Hydroplane GP championship.

Heats are scheduled for Tauranga, January 17 and 218 with the finals set for Lake Karapiro, February 7-8.

As for Australia, well, at least we beat the Black Caps in the cricket!