Torquay’s strong start not enough in ABB National Final

TORQUAY Boardriders Club have returned home from the Grand Final of the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle at Newcastle City Beach knowing they have the team to get a win but just need to “keep turning up” to reach their potential.

Sitting in equal first place after the first day of action, Torquay were knocked out of the teams format in the dying 15 seconds of their Quarter-Final on Sunday, with Byron Bay’s Dakoda Walters scoring a clutch ride to send Torquay packing their bags.

The star-studded team of URBN QS1000 champion Xavier Huxtable, Phillip Island Pro winner Tully Wylie, world junior surfing champion Willis Droomer, reigning Australia/Oceania Pro Junior champion Ellie Harrison and former Championship Tour surfer Troy Brooks was one of Torquay’s strongest to date, but was not enough to get the job done against some of the country’s best clubs.

While being disappointed at the result, club vice president Cahill Bell-Warren said national level success was not far off.

“We definitely have a team here that can win this event, we know on paper we can do it.

“While we weren’t great, we weren’t poor either and because we didn’t have any outstanding moments, the door was left open for Dakoda to get that buzzer-beater. “We were 15 seconds from getting away with it and advancing, which is tough.

“However, we left the event with a new resolve and know that one of these years it will turn.”

Byron Bay were the eventual event winners and crowned the Series 10 event champions, while Snapper Rocks, Mereweather and Avoca rounded out the podium.

For results and more information, head to australianboardridersbattle.com