HARRISON WINS GONG IN JUNIOR SHOOTOUT
MARLON Harrison has underlined his great potential by winning the blue riband 16 and under division at Parko’s Grom Stomp.
The Coolangatta surfer paid homage to his hero – former world champion and fellow Cooly Kid Joel Parkinson – by winning the top title, soon after losing the 14 and under decider.
Harrison had been considered a strong favourite for the younger division and said he was “rattled” after finishing second.
“To win in the 16s was awesome,” Harrison said. “I nearly gave up halfway through, but then I scored that high nine which got me back in the game.”
Harrison beat Jamie Thomson (Narrabeen), Ethan Stocks (Coffs Harbour) and Zane Assink (Yaroomba).
Harrison’s was one of two wins for Coolangatta surfers, with Lucy Tandler taking out the 14 and under girls division.
Tandler beat Tweed Coaster Cali Barrett (Banora Point), Liliana Bowery (Tewantin) and Poppy Corbett (Cape Woolamai) in clean half-metre swell at Ann Street Reef at Currumundi on the Sunshine Coast.
Another Coolangatta surfer – and 14 and under champion last year – Raya Campbell, lost the 16 and under title to Coolum’s Ellia Smith after stepping up an age group.