Yallingup Boardriders Club on top in round one of Australian Boardriders Battle at Trigg

Yallingup surfers have established a toehold in the national competition by winning the opening heat of the Australian Boardriders Battle at Trigg at the weekend.

The Yallingup Boardriders Club squad featured Maverick Wilson, Ruby Berry, Josh Cattlin, Zak Ogram and Ash Farrow who edged out Trigg Point in a nailbiting final which had spectators on the edge of their seats.

With a team total of 30.63, Yallingup finished just 0.09 ahead of Trigg Point in what contestants said would be remembered as “a battle for the ages”.

“To make the grand final again is epic,” Yalls president Ogram said.

“We had an amazing team on paper at this year’s final, but paper can’t run up hill.

“Everyone feels we can go better than we did so we can’t wait to get back there.”

The showdown occurred in fine spring conditions and small surf.

It was Yallingup’s third Australian win, catapulting them into early next year’s grand final at Queensland’s Burleigh Heads.

The battle involved a tag team format with each club fielding two open males, an open female, an over-35 surfer and one junior.

The combined scores from each surfer factored into the team total.

Margaret River Boardriders Club also remained a force and after some powerful surfing from Andrew Sheridan, Ben Spence, Willow Hardy, Okie Fraser and Alex McGuffin, the local squad finished in third on a combined total of 21.80 after Trigg.

“We’re stoked that three WA clubs automatically qualify,” Sheridan said.

“We made the semis at the last grand final and we’d love to make the final next year.”

Surfing WA events manager Justin Majeks said the Boardriders Battle was renowned for its team spirit.

He saluted the three top-finishing clubs who would represent WA next year.

Geraldton’s squad would also seek a wildcard entry slot for the Queensland competition.

Yallingup’s Berry won the top performer award for what Majeks said was the Margaret River Senior High School student’s consistent performance throughout the day.