Consistent efforts contesting swim-bike-run events during summer culminated with the pair claiming top honours at the presentation night on Saturday.

Taylor, who is holidaying in France, was unable to receive his award, but Cross took centre stage as the club celebrated its season.

“It’s an honour to win such a prestigious award,” Cross said.

“You’re competing against other females who you train with. But we also race hard against each other.

“We’re great friends and we’re always there to support each other. There’s a nice bond there.”

Cross, who was also club champion in 2013-14, said she was pleased with her results during the season.

She won the Killarney Triathlon in October, placed third in the aquathon in January and backed up with third in the Foreshore Triathlon a month later.

“Before each race I competed in, I set my goal and tried to achieve that throughout the race,” she said.“I had a plan A and a plan B during the race but a goal of what I wanted to get out of the race.

“If I look back, I’ve achieved everything I wanted to. I’ve noticed a lot of improvement in certain areas.

“I’ve come from being pretty ordinary at every discipline. I’ve really concentrated on little things and that made a huge difference.”

Her season, albeit separate to the club championship, also involved qualifying for World Duathlon Championships in Adelaide in October.

She will compete alongside Warrnambool pair Barry Warren and Jenny Dowie, six years after battling a fear of open-water swimming.

Cross recalled that her first triathlon used Camperdown’s Lake Bullen Merri for the swim. But blue-green algae forced organisers to drop the swim leg.

“I was so relieved that day when I turned up and they’d changed it to a duathlon. After doing that, I was hooked. That was a lot of fun, that was an adrenaline rush.”

She has grown to love triathlon and encouraged those considering taking up the sport to commit to testing themselves.

“If people ever want to do a triathlon, they can always come and try. Have a go, ask some questions, come along and get involved,” she said.

Taylor and Cross were among four WTC members who received recognition at the presentation night.

Danielle Buzaglo won the outstanding triathlete award for her dedication to training and improvement, encouragement of others and promotion of the club.

And Kristen Baillie picked up the outstanding volunteer award for her work on the committee and willingness to lend a hand on race days.

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au