(Coffs Harbour, NSW – Saturday, 17 October 2009): The final day of the Rip Curl GromSearch presented by SNICKERS will forever be remembered thanks to some of the most amazing junior surfing performances in recent time.
With three champions crowned, and some blistering surfing action on show, Diggers Beach proved to be the playground for some of the world’s best under 16 surfers with Matt Banting (Port Macquarie, NSW), Codie Klein (Kingscliff, NSW) and Eli Steele (Shelly Beach, QLD) reaping the highest rewards.
With the 16 years girls and boys division headlining the fourth day of competition, Banting and Klein stole the show.
With the winners of the 16’s division receiving a guaranteed place in the National Finals at Bells Beach, during the prestigious ASP World Tour event – the Rip Curl Pro, there was much at stake.
Defeating Soli Bailey (Suffolk Park, NSW), Cooper Chapman (North Narrabeen, NSW) and Damo Norman (Casuarina, NSW), who finished second, third and fourth respectively, Banting was in a league of his own dominating from the outset.
“I’m stoked,” he said, holding aloft the trophy.
“It was such a hard final and all the boys were surfing so well, so to take it out is amazing.”
Having just returned from France competing against the world’s best, Banting believes that the best aren’t too far in front of his fellow finalists.
“It was great to go over and gauge where we’re all at over here (Australia),” he said.
“To be honest guys like Cooper, Soli and Damo are all within the top guys in the world – that’s why winning this is so important.”
Joining Banting on the podium was Codie Klein who was super-impressive in the final of the 16 years girls.
Defeating Amiya Doyle (Coolangatta, QLD), Ali Kelly (Avalon, NSW) and Ellie-Jean Coffey (Crescent Head, NSW), who finished second, third and fourth respectively, Klein was over the moon at her performance and qualification into the National Final.
“I can’t believe it,” she said with a massive smile.
“It hasn’t even sunk in yet – the fact I’ll be competing at Bells in front of my heroes is the best prize ever!”
In what has been described as the most influential grommet series throughout the country, the Rip Curl GromSearch is as an enormous stepping-stone for Australia’s elite, something Klein is proud to add to her resume.
“This is definitely one of the best wins of my career,” she admitted.
“I’ve had a lot of minor results lately, so to win gives me plenty of confidence going into the next event and the New Year.”
Not to be outdone was Eli Steele (Shelly Beach, QLD), who’s polished backhand attack took him to a impressive victory over Michael Wright (Suffolk Park, NSW), Kelly Norris (Scotts Head, NSW) and Jackson Baker (Merewether, NSW), who finished second, third and fourth respectively, in the 14 years division.
For more information, daily highlights, news and all Rip Curl GromSearch images be sure to log onto www.ripcurl.com.au and www.surfingaustralia.com.
