Home advantage helped St Clair Surf Life Saving Club dominate the Southern Region junior championships during the weekend.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand South Island regional manager Stu Bryce said the Dunedin club ''dominated in points'' and saw off a strong challenge from last year's champion, Waimairi Surf Life Saving Club.
A ''beautiful'' weekend at Waikouaiti greeted the 250 competitors from 12 clubs across the South Island.
He described St Clair's efforts as a ''great performance by a Dunedin club''.
''It was definitely down to home advantage but they planned it really well,'' Mr Bryce said.
''It was a good strong performance. They came second last year and at home have taken away the trophy.''
Many of the competitors would go on to represent the region at the national junior championships in Mount Maunganui later this month.
The event was scheduled for Warrington, but choppy conditions meant it was changed to Waikouaiti on Friday and the weather had played its part at the alternative venue.
''It was beautiful out there both days,'' Mr Bryce said.
''The weather did play its part. It was pretty wet first thing on Saturday morning. We were a bit concerned but Waikouaiti put it on for everyone. It was great.''
