Rivalries have been reignited in this weekend’s Victorian Masters Titles, with Tiffany Riggs (Torquay) and Lachy McDonald (Blairgowrie) reigning supreme in the premier O35 Masters divisions in challenging onshore conditions at Gunnamatta Beach on the Mornington Peninsula.
The competition brought together the pioneers of surfing in Victoria with divisions ranging from Over 35 through to Over 60s, with competitors vying for a spot in the Victorian Surfing Team set to compete in the Australian Surf Championships later in the year.
Conditions were tricky in the morning under gloomy skies, however with a lower tide coming through in the afternoon, conditions did improve, giving competitors an opportunity to get a couple of longer rides across both left and right-handed peaks.
In the Women’s O35 Masters division it was Tiffany Riggs (Torquay) who was able to find several left-hand runners in the difficult conditions. Riggs was able to secure two solid scores to leave her fellow competitors behind, both of whom were chasing a good range score to move into first place.
“It’s always fun to be on the Mornington Peninsula and it was super exciting to get a couple of fun waves and get back into events again”, Riggs said.
Finishing in second was Ricci Hawkins (Mount Eliza) and rounding out the final in third position was Michelle Fincher (Phillip Island).
In the premier Over 35 Men’s division which was the last heat of the event, all four surfers could only be separated by a couple of points in the challenging tidal conditions. However, it was Lachy McDonald (Blairgowrie), who was able to show some poise and take home the division bragging rights.
“The conditions were pretty tough today, but I’m stoked to get a win on home turf”, McDonald said.
“It’s great to have the event back at Gunnamatta, and I’m looking forward to next year’s event”.
Finishing in second place was Tim Birnie (Jan Juc), in third was Joel Steven (Torquay), and rounding it out in fourth was Luke Beerling (Rye).
Other divisional champions from the event included Andrew Hyde (O40 Men), Arthur McKenzie (O45 Men and O50) Men), Andrew Dell (O55 Men), Joe Cervi (O60 Men), and Mark Miccoli (Single Fin).
The weekend of action will continue tomorrow with Round 2 of the Victorian Open Series to be held at Gunnamatta beach. A call will be made at 8:30am for a likely 9:00am start.
Finals Results:
Over 35 Men
1st: Lachy McDonald
2nd: Tim Birnie
3rd: Joel Steven
4th: Luke Beerling
Masters Women
1st: Tiffany Riggs
2nd: Ricci Hawkins
3rd: Michelle Fincher (O/50’s winner)
Over 40 Men
1st: Andrew Hyde
2nd: Tim Birnie
3rd: Joel Steven
4th: Adam Leslie
Over 45 Men
1st: Arthur McKenzie
2nd: Adam Leslie
3rd: Brad Kerr
4th: Craig Burton
Over 50 Men
1st: Arthur McKenzie
2nd: Craig Lloyd
3rd: Mark Phipps
4th: James Taylor
Over 55 Men
1st: Andrew Dell
2nd: Jamie Reichelt
3rd: Brett Ryder
4th: Martin Rennhackkamp
Over 60 Men
1st: Joe Cervi
2nd: Mark Lloyd
3rd: Martin Rennhackkamp
4th: Stephen Bettess
Single Fin
1st: Mark Miccoli
2nd: Mark Walker
3rd: Ricci Hawkins
Live scores, results, and heat draws/schedules can be found online at www.surfingvic.com/live
The Victorian Master’s Titles is proudly presented by Surfers Rescue 24/7 and supported by the Victorian Government, Cancer Council Sunscreen, and City to Surf Mobile café.
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