Malibu club makes presentations

The Ocean Beach Malibu Club held its annual presentation night at the Umina Beach Surf Life Saving Club on Saturday, December 17.

For the first time in the club's 21-year history, a junior surfer has taken out not only the overall 2011 club championship but topped off a successful year by winning the 2011 Long John Memorial Old Mal title.

Kai Ellice-Flint achieved the double at only 15-years-old.

Kai outpointed some very capable surfers in the final of the old mal and beat Hayden Emery, Matt Sing and Chris Irwin to win the title.

Cyndi Zoranovic successfully defended her woman's club champion title and achieved a double of her own in the process by winning the over-35s' age division against both men and women.

Liz Ambler, Angela Goodwin and Angie Smith filled the minor places.

In the overall point score for the year, Mark Williams finished runner up to Kai followed by Marty Skewes in third position.

Craig Coulton and Wayne Medcalf shared fourth place on equal points.

Up and coming surfer Tom Payne, 12, claimed fifth spot ahead of many more experienced surfers.

The 2011 trophy recipients were Tom Payne, Hayden Wellington and Jordan Priestly in the under-13s, Kai Ellice-Flint, Ben Orman, Bryce Williams and Josh Wellington in the under-18s, Hayden Emery, Chris Irwin, Daniel Ambler and Matt Sing in the over-18s, Cyndi Zoranovic, Peter Wellington, John Payne and Darrell Young in the over-35s, Mark Rylands, Kevin Miller, Angela Goodwin and Grant Cassidy in the over-45s, Mark Williams, Marty Skewes, Craig Coulton and Garry Halliday in the over-50s and Wayne Medcalf, Daryl Anderson, Steve Cox, and Peter Ellice-Flint in the over-55s.

Brent Thoroughgood was voted the 2011 Clubman of the Year and Garry Halliday the best judge while Marc Sheean won the most improved award.

Central Coast artist Christine Rushmer created another first for the club when she drew the winning tickets in the Christmas raffle, with all three prizes being won by club members.

Brent Olsson was the lucky winner of the malibu donated by Tony Irwin.

The first contest for this year has been brought forward to Sunday, February 5, and registrations will be taken on the day.

Media Release, 15 Jan 2012 Craig Coulton, OBMC Photo: Joanne Coulton