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Avalon
Beach, NSW (Sunday October 8th, 2006) - - With state surfing pride on the line,
NSW proved too strong by defeating Queensland in the inaugural Oakley State Team
Challenge at Avalon Beach today. 
Clean 1-metre beach breaks provided the ideal conditions for
the Australia’s next generation of surf stars to put on an amazing display
of progressive surfing. 
The lead alternated several times throughout the two day State
of Origin themed event but it was NSW sealing the victory in the final minutes.
Ben Dunn (Old Bar, NSW) showed why he’s qualified
for the 2007 ASP World Championship Tour by posting two perfect 10-point rides
today. Fellow NSW team mate Owen Wright (Culburra, NSW) proved to be the lynchpin
for the Blues, sealing victory in the final minutes of the 25-minute “double
points” decider with a front side air 360 to post a 9.5 five and shoot the
Blues back to a 9 point lead. Scores at the final siren - NSW on 286.5 points
- Queensland 277.5 points. 
“I knew I had to pull something out of the bag to seal
the victory.” Wright said. “It feels great to steal the win from Queensland
and send them packing home across the boarder. I got that lefthander just as the
southerly wind change came through and boosted an air with the wind kind of holding
the board to my feet. Everyone surfed great for us today though.” 
NSW Team coach and 1988 ASP World Champion Barton Lynch was
all smiles at the presentation stating “It was a real team effort. I said
to the boys from the beginning that the only way we can win is with a team effort
and everyone pulling their weight. Owen and Ben were the standouts but the rest
of the team were right behind them with some solid performances. This victory
sure makes up for losses NSW had in NRL this year.” 
World ISA Junior champion Julian Wilson (Coolum, QLD) was
a sensational performer for Queensland throughout the tournament. The 17 year
old consistently posted high scores with a futuristic aerial approach. Wilson
broke the nose of his board in the final but managed to get back into the line
up and apply the pressure right till the final seconds. 
“Everyone put in their best effort and we got beat by
the better team on the day.” Wilson said. “It really could of gone either
way at the end there but the Blue’s got us this time. It was a great format
and we all had a fun time so we’ll be back next year for another crack at
it.” 
Each team was made up of four male surfers and one female
surfer. Event organisers hailed the inaugural event as a huge success with the
win for NSW ensuring hosting rights and home turf advantage for 2007. 
The Oakley State Team Challenge is proudly supported
by Sony PSP, and Waves Magazine. | 
