EDIE Burgess left her competitors scratching their heads on Saturday, 8 February, snatching first place in a dramatic U8 Girls Beach Sprint Final at the Surf Life Saving (SLS) Mid North Coast Branch Championships.

The action-packed Branch Championships were held at South West Rocks SLSC over 8-9 February.

The event welcomed representatives from eight clubs from Camden Haven to Macksville-Scotts Head.

Over 300 entrants took part, with seven-year-old Edie the sole representative from Camden Haven SLSC.

Her winning event, the U8 Girls Beach Sprint, went right down to the wire.

Edie got off to a great start, however Alyssa McNeice from Wauchope Bonny Hills SLSC switched into gear moments later, her long stride moving her into the lead.

As the race unfolded and the sprinters hurtled towards the finish line, inside lane runner Bailey Long from Port Macquarie SLSC made her move.

With only metres left it looked as though first and second place would be fought out between Bailey and Alyssa.

Demonstrating impressive determination Edie then found something extra in the tank, surging ahead to claim a dramatic win.

“Before the carnival I had been practicing my running and flags sometimes on the sand but mostly at home,” Edie said.

“I love Nippers and I like going to the carnivals, because if you win you can get a medal.

“I was so excited when I won the race, and it made me feel really good.”

Brooke Burgess was a very proud mum after watching Edie in action.

“I felt super proud when Edie won, it was a very close race and it was very exciting for her,” said Brooke.

“We have only recently relocated to the coast from Orange.

“But once we arrived we got involved with Nippers straight away, mainly for water safety but we all absolutely love it, even I have become involved in the club.

“Edie enjoys competiting in the carnivals but she also loves the social aspects of Nippers as well.”

By Kim AMBROSE