| Luke Reading conquers the Saltwater Wine Pro |
| Saturday, 13 June 2009 16:24 |
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Local standout Luke Reading (Wallabi Point, NSW) was the king of his domain today, claiming the Saltwater Wine Pro in amazing conditions at Old Bar. As the fourth event on the prestigious Hurley NSW Championship Circuit for 2009, the Saltwater Wine Pro saw some of the country’s best surfers competing for valuable ratings points and serious cash prizes. Greeted with epic conditions – perfect, one metre-peaks – the action that transpired was of the highest order as Reading marched to victory with a dream 25-minute performance in the final. “I couldn’t be more happy,” said a beaming Reading, clutching the $1200 cheque. Defeating Darren O’Rafferty (Bonny Hills, NSW), Yerin Brown (Byron Bay, NSW), Perth Standlick (Bondi, NSW), who finished second, third and fourth respectively, Reading was in a league of his own, racking up an impressive 15.40 (out of a possible 20). “I got the dream start and felt really confident after my first two waves,” he continued. “I could hear my brother (Joel) on the beach going nuts and it just fired me up to continue to build on my scores.” With $3,000 up for grabs the state’s elite an opportunity to compete for serious monetary rewards at Old Bar’s famed Second Corner, Reading got through some exceptional competitors en-route to the final. With the likes of Coffs Harbour duo Shaun Cansdell (Mullaway, NSW) and James Athorn (Arrawarra, NSW) and Matt Jones (Yamba, NSW) blazing in the early rounds, Reading, O’Rafferty, Brown and Standlick all stood up when it was counted. “The level of surfing today was amazing today, it was a world-class field,” Reading added. A Saltwater Boardrider and proud local, Reading was mobbed by family and friends as soon as he reached the sand. “To take the title at home in front of my family and friends is what I have always aspired to,” Reading admitted. “I was on the beach when Joel won it a couple of years back and have been wanting a trophy for myself – I’m over the moon.” Running tomorrow will be the Cadet and Junior divisions with two Saltwater Wine Pro champions to be crowned at Old Bar. With the likes of Oscar Scanes (Old Bar, NSW), Jordi Watson (Currarong, NSW), Jake Sylvester (Bar Beach, NSW) and Jack Scollard (Lake Munmorah, NSW) ready to blow the minds of all and sundry, tomorrow will be another excellent spectacle. Also taking place will be the Hurley Boardriders Challenge, an invitational event that recognises the importance of grassroots surfing throughout the state’s mid north coast. With six local Boardrider Clubs going head to head in a Teams Format, local pride and bragging rights will be on the line with the winner taking home up to $600 cash. The Saltwater Wine Pro will take place from 13-14 June 2009 with all divisions on standby to commence at 7am on Sunday, 14 June 2009. For the confirmed running schedule, contest location and all information please visit www.surfingnsw.com.au The Saltwater Wine Pro is proudly supported by Hurley, Saltwater Wine, Australia’s Surfing Life, Saltwater Boardriders Club, Surfing Mid North Coast and Surfing NSW. Saltwater Wine Pro 2009 - Open Men – Results 1st – Luke READING (Wallabi Point, NSW) – 15.40pts Hurley NSW Championship Circuit 2009 Schedule: Triple Bull Pro, 16-17 May 2009 at Cronulla
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