MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Great surf and memorable final at local compQueens Birthday Weekend 2017 saw over 40 surfers from Great Barrier Island and Mangawhai Heads compete in the Annual Mangawhai Board Riders (MBR) vs Aotea Boardriders Club (ABC) contest. The contest, which is into its 8th year, sees surfers from both clubs competing at alternate venues. In 2016 MBR surfers travelled to Great Barrier Island and competed Whangapoua, and this year was MBR's turn to host ABC. Every year the clubs alternate locations. Day one Day two With the 36-man draw whittled down to the final six the semi-finals were run in near perfect 2-3ft waves. There was fierce battle between Lang's Beach surfer Tom Norton (MBR) and local Mangawhai shredder Louis Smith (MBR) in heat one, with Smith pipping Norton for second. Chad Anderson (ABC) took out first. In semi-final two, local Mangawhai grommets Bassie Waldron and Nubby Crutchfield did much the same, with Critchfield progressing to the finals along with Sid West (ABC). Finals But it was Sid West (ABC) who stole the final in the last 10 minutes picking off two excellent set waves, linking big carves with powerful fins-free turns. The crowd enjoyed an exciting final and it will be something not to be forgotten in a hurry. West is a former winner of this event, and propelled ABC to yet another victory over MBR in the contest. Overall placings: 1st Sid West (ABC), 2nd Louis Smith (MBR), 3rd Chad Anderson (ABC), 4th Nubby Critchfield (MBR). ABC club president Benny Bellerby thanked MBR for putting on an excellent contest, and noted the strong bond that has grown between the clubs since the event's inception back in 2010 at Medland Beach. Contest director Tony Baker thanked all of the judges, competitors, supporters and sponsors of the event. Next year MBR will be heading to Aotea over Easter 2018. BIG FINISH: Competition winner Sid West gets it sideways with some big turns during an intense final. – PHOTO/Frank Stanton |