In great surf at Ransom Beach Kingscliff, Le-Ba (Lennox, Ballina) Boardriders defeated Kingscliff Boardriders 63 points to 53 points in a gripping final to win the NSW Ransom Junior Tag Team Surfing Title 2011.
On a day when ugg boots and galoshes were the preferred options, a solid three-foot right hand breaking beach break, ensured all teams would have a fun day.
After six round robin matches and two semi-finals, favourites Le-Ba, led by Michael Wright and captain Zac Wightman, found themselves in the final with the defending champions Kingscliff, a repeat of the 2010 final. Could Kingscliff upset the apple cart once again? Le-Ba coach, Joseph Sandercoch played his trump card, sending in Michael Wright (double whammy surfer) first. Not to be trumped, Dean Bevan, Kingscliff’s coach led with their double whammy surfer, Sam Rahmate.
Once both surfers had completed their brace of waves, scores were 19 points to 18 points.
Second surfer Sam Morgan took to the surf with a calmness that belied the day and consolidated with two six point rides in smart time, enabling Le-Ba to take the lead 30 to 27.
The Snellgrove brothers were third and fourth surfers for Le-Ba and, not being their home beach, unfortunate errors crept in and Kingscliff pounced, through Halloran and Grury, to have the scores 50 to 49 at the eight-wave tally mark.
Game on for the anchor surfers, but to Kingscliff’s anguish, Le-Ba’s Zac Wightman ripped his team to a great victory.
Final: Le – Ba 63 points defeated Kingscliff Gold 53 (maximum points 110)
Semi-final 1: Kingscliff Gold 51 points defeated Cabarita 48 points
Semi-final 2: Le-Ba 49 points defeated Kingscliff Black 39 points
Ransom Best & Fairest: Damien Norman (Cabarita), Sam Rahmate (Kingscliff Gold) runner-up.
Carter Surfing and Ransom would like to thank all clubs, competitors and supporters for their enthusiastic support on a very rainy and cold day.
Also a special mention goes to the Kingscliff Girls for their gallant and brave effort.
