It could have finally been a local victory, but in the end North Narabeen defended their Orica title defeating Merewether Boardriders to take first place at Stockton Beach last weekend.
Cooper Chapman, Dylan Moffatt and Matt Cattle made up the North Narrabeen A team (60.12) that convincingly defeated Merewether (43.45), North Shelley (42.47) and North Steyne (39.44).
“This is my third time in the final for three wins with three different teams,” A team captain Cooper Chapman said.
“It shows the depth of our club and the mateship in the club. Thanks to Orica for an epic event. It’s a great warm up for Surfest’s main event and the Australian Boardriders Battle.”
Unfortunately a win for a local club in the Orica Team Challenge remains elusive despite Merewether appearing strong in the earlier rounds.
The team of Jackson Baker, Morgan Cibilic and Travis Lynch looked to have one hand on the trophy after the quarter-finals with the highest score (194.52), followed by former Orica Team Challenge champions North Shelly Boardriders from the NSW Central Coast (172.86), eventual winners North Narrabeen A (160.17) and North Steyne Boardriders (152.05).
Merewether captain Travis Lynch said his young team had put up a great effort.
“We were close and look forward to meeting North Narrabeen at the Australian Boardriders Battle. We had a young team and I’m proud of their effort,” he said.
Merewether have less than a fortnight to regroup before the Australian Boardriders Battle gets underway at Newcastle Beach on the weekend of 18-19 February.
Orica Team Challenge Image Gallery by Throwing Buckets
