Torquay takes the crown to move to ABB National Final

TORQUAY Boardriders Club have progressed through to the National Final of the Hyundai Australian Battle by smashing the Victorian Qualifying Round at Phillip Island over the weekend.

On Sunday, Torquay delivered a clinical well rounded team performance to oust Phillip Island, Peninsula Surfriders and 13th Beach Boardriders to book a spot in the Australian Final which is set for February 2023.

Now in its tenth season, the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle is the country’s biggest grassroots boardriders event and involves more than 60 of Australia’s best clubs, boasting over $120,000 in prize money.

Conditions aligned at Cape Woolamai Surf Beach for the eight Victorian teams in attendance, with competitors greeted by sunny skies and clean three-to-four feet waves, making for exciting viewing for all.

Eight Victorian clubs vied it out at Cape Woolamai for a spot in the ABB National Final.

Fresh off winning the Phillip Island Pro the day prior, Tully Wylie and fellow finalist Xavier Huxtable held strong for Torquay throughout the early rounds and were also given a huge boost from fellow team members Jack Perry, ISA World Junior Surfing Champion Willis Droomer and 2022 Australia/Oceania Pro Junior champion Ellie Harrison.

In the end, Torquay’s prowess in the water was all too much for defending champions Phillip Island, Peninsula and 13th Beach, as the Surf Coast club guaranteed their spot in the National Final in style.

Xavier Huxtable led from the front for Torquay Boardriders.

“I love that the ABB provides a team aspect to surfing,” said Torquay Boardriders surfer Tully Wylie.

“It’s such an individual sport so to share a win with your best mates is super cool.”

For their efforts, Torquay also took home $2000 of prize money.

Finishing in second place and claiming the other spot in the National Final was Phillip Island on 24.73 points, ahead of the third-place team Peninsula on 18.10 points and 13th Beach in fourth place with 18.07 points.

Peninsula Surfriders member Ava Holland was awarded the Harvey Norman High Performance junior award for some outstanding surfing throughout the event, while fellow team member Caiden Fowler received the Oakley Prizm Performer Award for impressive rail surfing that delivered him excellent scores during the day.

Torquay and Phillip Island will now hope to take their strong form into the National Final which is scheduled to take place on February 4 – 5, 2023 and will be broadcast via www.australianboardridersbattle.com