Rip Curl GromSearch
Presented By Snickers

Cronulla Beach, NSW Australia
19 - 22 January 2008

Last stop on Australia’s premier Junior Series sees classic beach day at Cronulla

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 21 January, 2008 : - - Ellie-Jean Coffey (Crescent Head) made a statement in the first heat with one of the highest combined scores of the day and carried her form all the way to the final. Paige Haggerston (Coal Point) looked strong all day and booked a spot in the final for the showdown with Coffey.

Paige led for the first half of the 20 minute final but Coffey pegged her back with a 5.0 point ride to put her into the lead with 5 minutes to go. It proved to be enough to secure her second win in the series and propel her to the top of the ratings. It also secures Coffey a spot in the National GromSearch final held at the Rip Curl Pro at Bell’s Beach in Easter 2008.

“I can’t believe I’ve won another GromSearch. It was hard to get a good wave and Paige was looking good, then one popped up near the end and I just did enough. GromSearch final here we come!” Freya Prumm (Merimbula) and Ali Kelly (Avalon) stayed in the hunt but couldn’t find a second wave and came in third and fourth respectively.

For the boys, round one of the 16 and under division got underway and Robbie France (Collaroy) was an early standout and looked to be the major threat for the whole first round. Jarrod Horner (Cronulla) flew the flag for the local crew with a strong performance and also moves through to meet the seeded surfers tomorrow.

Cooper Chapman (North Narrabeen) and Saxon Lumsden (Central Coast) were the surprise packets in the 16’s division after taking up last minute spots when two surfers had to withdraw due to injury. The pair are also surfing in the 14’s division but showed maturity beyond their years to win through to the next round.

Jackson O’Donnell (Crescent Head) had a big day by winning through his first round heat in comfortable fashion and then he backed it up with a big performance in the Snickers Expression Session. By pulling out big the big turns he booked himself into the Grand Final. SNICKERS wave of the day went to Ellie- Jean Coffey for her great finals wave which saw her take the win at Cronulla.

16 and Under Girls Final
1st Ellie-Jean Coffey
2nd Paige Haggerston
3rd Freya Prumm
4th Ali Kelly (Avalon)

14 and Under Girls Final
1st Ellie-Jean Coffey
2nd Gemma Saunders (Cromer Heights)
3rd Sarah Kokkin (Merewether)
4th Emily Clapaudis (Port Macquarie)

12 and Under Girls Final
1st Kirsten Ogden (Cresent Head)
2nd Brooke Peachy (The Entrance)
3rd Remy Randall (Warriewood)
4th Cali McDonagh (North Curl Curl)

2007/08 Rip Curl GromSearch presented by Snickers Series Dates

Jan Juc, Vic: 25th - 28th Sept 2007
Newcastle, NSW: 6th - 9th Oct 2007
Trigg Point, WA: 13th - 14th Oct 2007
Clifton, Tas: 27th Oct 2007
Seaford, SA: 24th - 25th Nov 2007
DBah, Qld: 17th - 21st Dec 2007
Sydney (TBC - Cronulla), NSW 19th - 22nd Jan 2007

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www.surfingaustralia.com

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Steve Robertson

Groms - Surfersvillage