Holland and Noble victorious on Phillip Island

MORNINGTON Peninsula youngster Ava Holland and former state champion Steve Noble (Cape Paterson) took top honours on Phillip Island over the weekend in round two of the 2024 Victorian Open Series.

More than 30 surfers from across the state were greeted with fun, albeit challenging conditions for the event at Cape Woolamai Beach.

With a state title on the line and a coveted spot in the Rip Curl Pro Trials, Ava Holland dazzled in the women’s division with her backhand attack.

Holland was able to put up two strong scores to go out in the lead early in the women’s final and didn’t look back on her way to victory.

“The waves were super fun out there today when you got them,” Holland said.

“It was sometimes tricky to find the right waves out there, but I’m stoked to get the win and am looking forward to the next event at my home break.”

Finishing in second was Emily McGettigan (Torquay), Sara Hickson (Mornington Peninsula) claimed third, and fourth went to Sophie Wilkinson (Mornington Peninsula).

Steve Noble showed off his intimate knowledge of Cape Woolamai in the men’s final, picking the best waves to steamroll his momentum into an event win.

In-form surfer Lucas Hickson (Mornington Peninsula) held the two highest scores of the day, however, wasn’t able to score enough to oust Noble in the decider.

“It was certainly challenging out there today,” Noble said.

“Finishing on the low tide made it tough but it was good to get a couple of turns out there and get the win.”

Third and fourth places were taken by Barwon Heads duo Jack Bassett and Isiah Norling.

The series will now head to the Mornington Peninsula for the final round of the series on March 17.

For full results, head to liveheats.com/surfingvictoria