Williams finally snags gold

Mangawhai Heads' Hannah Williams had to wait for a whole year to win gold at the Oceans 11 under-14 National Surf Lifesaving championships.
Williams was outstanding at the competition held in Mount Maunganui winning two gold medals in the U-13 surf race and diamond race, respectively.
The medals weren't unexpected for her family, all of whom are involved with surf lifesaving at the club.
"It wasn't too much of a surprise really, she's been building up to this. We expected her to do very well last year after reaching a few finals but then the final day was cancelled because of a tsunami warning," her father, Nick Williams, said.
He said the disappointment of not being able to compete was put to rest on Sunday with the two gold medals.
"She has been winning gold medals at the Northern Regional competitions and winning fairly comprehensively so it was expected she would be in a good position to win a medal at the nationals," he said.
The only other Mangawhai Heads' Surf Lifesaving competitor at the nationals was Hannah's older sister, Lauren, who made some finals but missed out on the medals. Her father said that Mangawhai Heads wasn't known as a competitive surf lifesaving club, it was more of a lifeguard club or a surfing club, so the results were welcome.
Papamoa and Red Beach shared top honours at the Mount Maunganui event after a gripping final day of competition.
Papamoa trailed Red Beach by four points heading into the final two events but picked up a second in the under-12 Cameron relay and a fighting third in the under-14 Cameron relay to draw level.
It was the perfect way to end an exciting four-day carnival which had everything from huge early surf and white-hot beach action to ideal half-metre swells on the final day.
Red Beach junior chairman Mark Scheib was delighted with how things turned out for his 52-strong contingent. "It's the first time we've ever claimed top spot and we're more than happy to share the win with Papamoa," Scheib said.
"We've slowly built up and we've got lots to look forward to next year."
In sharing the title, Papamoa claimed back the overall title they last held in 2009.
The Bay of Plenty club did so with one of their smallest teams, but the 43 athletes chipped away at podium spots. Cantabrian Brittany Tucker had the best sentimental win of the day.
The 14-year-old claimed gold for the quake-damaged Sumner club in the diamond race, then was present at the closing ceremony to receive a board signed by all 750 athletes at the carnival on behalf of her club.
Gisborne surf craft manufacturer Sonic donated the board after last week's earthquake in Christchurch.
"This week has been so great. Clubs have given us gear when we didn't have it and they've been really supportive," Tucker said. "It's lifted our spirits for sure and we've had such a good time."
Mount Maunganui, led by 12-year-old dynamo Hamish Miller, finished third on 44 points, ahead of Midway (31), Omanu (30) and Whakatane (23).