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National Representative Matthews Top Scores on Day One |
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Written by Ben Kennings
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Saturday, 25 November 2006 |
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AJ Matthews with a blazing slash that got him into
the semis. Image COurtesy of NZ Surfing Magazine.
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Whangamata’s AJ Matthews (Ngapuhi) made a blazing start to the Auahi Kore Maori Titles on day one surfing his way to the highest total heat score of 17.0 for the day in his quarterfinal heat. Some amazing surfing took place throughout the day in 1.0m waves at Manu Bay. While the onshore winds messed with the surface conditions, the competitors still unleashed some spectacular surfing.
Matthews, who has recently returned from California after an extended stay at the World Surfing Games, looked to be at his best. His heat total included a near perfect 9.0 point ride – also the highest of the day. “Yeah that was a sick heat, I got a couple of good waves early and they ran down the point and allowed me to do some big hacks” commented Matthews. “There haven’t been many waves at home on the east coast since I have been back from overseas but I am starting to find my feet”.
Also looking very promising is none other than local surfer Daniel Kereopa (Tainui) who posted 14.0 out of a possible 20. Kereopa looked at home in both of his heats and progressed through to the semi finals along with fellow local surfer Mike Banks (Ngati Toa) who together eliminated Zac Smith (Ngati Te Ata) and Conan James (Te Atiawa).
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Jamie Andrews was fired up right from the Powhiri on
Firday night and his surfing proved it.
Image courtesy of NZ Surfing Magazine.
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The Taranaki surfers were not to be outdone and from the outset at the Powhiri on Friday night it was clearly evident that they had returned to Raglan this year to win titles. Lead by a core group of the older surfers contesting the age group divisions it was the younger Jamie Andrews (Ruanui) and Motu Mataa (Te Atiawa) who did the business in the Billabong Open Men’s division. Andrews scored 10.15 to win his heat advancing with Leon Santorik (Ngati Tama) to the semifinals while Mataa who was making a comeback to the competitive scene placed second in his heat behind the abovementioned Matthews.
In the Bodyline Over 30’s it was Sean Coffey (Ngati Ruanui) who got off to a good start winning his heat and was followed by James Fowell (Ngati Kanohi), local Phillip Willoughby (Ngapuhi) and Clint Daly (Ngati Porou) who all secured first round heat wins. The surfers all enjoyed some excellent waves and will be eager to get back in the water for the semifinals tomorrow (Sunday) morning.
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Richard Christie was a shock elimination in both the
Open Men's and Junior Men on day 1.
Image courtesy of NZ Surfing Magazine.
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The Over 40’s also got in the water late in the day and the Taranaki ‘team captains’ proved they still had every measure of the young guys keeping their side of the bargain up. Pipi Ngaia (Te Atiawa) won his heat and was followed closely by Jason Matthews (Te Atiawa). While defending champion Te Kauhoe Wano (Te Atiawa) was not required to surf his first round heat, he will look forward to the anticipated match up with the other two Taranaki surfers on the finals day.
Sunday will kick off at 7.30am with the semifinals of the remaining divisions followed by the finals of all divisions which will be completed by 3pm. Prizegiving will be held immediately after the finals. High resolution action images of today’s action are available to media courtesy of New Zealand Surfing Magazine. For more event information, please contact Ben Kennings on 021 2278732 or email benkennings@surfingnz.co.nz. Alternatively contact Steve Ria on 021 2278731.
Generous support from the following companies have made this event possible Auahi Kore the principle supporter of Maori Surfing as well as Bodyline, Roxy, Billabong, Rip Curl and Volcom.
Surfing New Zealand are proudly partnered by
Corona
Vodafone
Hyundai
SPARC
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Ends
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