McGregor back on top in Scottburgh surfski thriller

Durban -  Ace paddler Hank McGregor claimed the Island Tribe Scottburgh Surf Classic which formed the seventh leg in the Discovery Sunglass Hut Surfski Series in ideal conditions.

McGregor took full advantage of the absence of series leader Matt Bouman who was at home in bed resting after dislocating his shoulder in last weeks race. "I will be out of action for a further week or so but it won't take me long to get back into the water," said Bouman.

McGregor stole the show taking by taking the lead early on in the race and eventual took the title a full minute and a half ahead of U23 World Marathon champ Grant van der Walt, with series regulars Tom Schilperoort and Marc Holtzhausen in third and fourth consecutively.

In the ladies race the absence of regular Donna Winter left the field was open for the Toti starlet Michelle Eder who clocked up yet another win in the 2010 winter series. "It was another great day of racing with fantastic conditions," sad Eder. "Although I have to say I did have two swims at Scottburgh."

"The conditions weren't hectic," said Eder. "The backline was clean, but there were a few waves that came out of no where and a few of us went down." Toti youngster Jenna Ward leapt into second in the lades race and Maya Opperman took home third position.

The on-form crew of Barry Lewin and Ant Stott took the doubles title, followed by Quinton Rutherford and Bryan Taylor in a close second. Grant Harper won the 7km short course race and in the same category Chris Murray and Malcolm Pitt took home second and third respectfully.