Bells Beach, VIC/AUS (Saturday 21st May, 2016): Former event champion Russell Molony (Central Coast, NSW) has taken out the Open Men’s division at the Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles at Bells Beach today.
 
With perfect 2-3ft waves on offer, the 39 year old has been one of the most consistent surfers in the last 5 years making the final in every year since his first win in 2012.
 
“It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m stoked to win and have my family and all of the mob here to support me,” said an ecstatic Molony.
 
Coming up against fellow New-South-Welshman, John Craig (Woolgoolga, NSW), Molony started slowly however locked in an event high 9.87 and 8.00 ride to take out the title.
 
Craig countered with an excellent 9.10 ride, but could not find a strong enough back up to take the win.
 
“It was always going to be a hard heat, but the waves were just perfect out there we always seem to score perfect waves for the event!” said Molony.
 
“John has been ripping, it’s great to see him here. He was one of the craziest guys to surf against when we were younger.”
 
“I’m looking forward to sitting around the campfire with all of the boys tonight and have a yarn about the day.”
 
The Masters division was also completed with Open Men’s finalist, John Craig (37 years old) claiming top honours.
 
Surfing against former event champion, Robbie Page (Kempsy, NSW), Scott Winch (Woolongong, NSW) and Allan Campbell (La Perouse NSW), Craig dominated with a combined heat total of 14.67 points.
 
“I’ve been meaning to come down to this event since it started in 2012. I spoke to my cousin and we both decided to come down this year, it’s been good fun so far!”
 
“Surfing against the boys in the masters is great, everyone is laid back and having a good time its not so much about the win more about the experience. ”
 
Placing in second was Scott Winch with Robbie Page and Alan Campbell in third and fourth respectively.
 
Sunday will see the completion of the event with the Longboard and Women’s division.
 
Full results can be followed online at http://indigenous.polarproductions.com.au/
 
The event is held from May 20th – 22nd at Bells Beach on Victoria’s Surf Coast.
 
The Australian Indigenous Surfing Titles is presented by HeadSox, VicHealth, Play it Safe by the Water, The Victorian Government and supported by Surfing Australia, Surfing Victoria, Narana Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative, NITV, Telstra, Coastalwatch Plus, ESA, Farm Foods and the Hurley High Performance Center.
 
Open Men’s Final
1st Russel Molony, 17.87 points
2nd John Craig, 16.27 points
 
Open Men’s Semi Final 1
1st  John Craig, 14.43 points
2nd Otis Carey, 14.40 points
 
Open Men’s Semi Final 2
1st Russel Molony, 16.66 points
2nd Noah Munro, 14.77 points
 
Master’s Men Final
1st John Craig, 14.67 points
2nd Scott Winch, 7.43 points
3rd Robbie Page, 7.20 points
4th Alan Campbell, 6.00 points