Holland, Peterson take out Rip Curl GromSearch

MORE than 180 of the nation’s best junior surfers put it all on the line over the weekend in the Victorian qualifying round of the Rip Curl GromSearch on Phillip Island.

Local surfers from the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong were greeted with fun conditions over the five days of competition.

Warm weather and light winds set the stage for an epic finish to the event on finals day.

The Under 18 divisions took centre stage, with Noosa’s Mitchell Peterson going back-to-back and Mornington Peninsula surfer Ava Holland claiming a victory of her own.

Both surfers displayed confidence and composure to seal their wins with smart wave choice and flowing surfing.

Peterson defeated good friend Darcy Dwyer, also from Noosa, in the event final.

“I’m stoked to get the win… I love coming down here to Phillip Island,” he said.

“It was pretty special surfing my last event with a mate.”

For Holland, it was the same story, with her pitted up against good friend Sophie Wilkinson.

The 16-year-old put on a standout performance, scoring an 8.40 and a 7.50-point ride to secure the win.

“It was very fun,” she said.

“I surf against Pickles [Sophie Wilkinson] so often, from boardriders to state rounds, so it was great to share another final together. I’m very happy.”

Other divisional winners in the event included Locana Cullen (Avalon Beach, Under 16 Boys), Eliza Richardson (Gold Coast, Under 16 Girls), Ffeon Clifford (Mount Maunanui, NZ, Under 14 Boys) and Navah Holmes (Gold Coast, Under 14 Girls).

No local surfers were able to contend on Finals Day of the national event.

The top local performers were Surf Coast juniors Stevie O’Day and Estella Carbonelli, who both made the Semi Finals of the Under 14 Girls.

For a replay of Finals Day, head to youtube.com/watch?v=-yCenorsmTE