Gymnastics: Northland's Michelle Crawford leads charge at nationals

The Northland team at the New Zealand Gymnastics National Championships. From left: Tegan Verevis, Michelle Crawford, Ryan Towsend, Brendan Marais, Hayden Smith and Liam Townsend. Photo / Supplied

Northland's top young gymnasts performed strongly on the biggest stage in the country.

A team of six went to the New Zealand Gymnastics National Championships and all performed admirably against the best New Zealand has to offer.

The team was made up of Michelle Crawford, Brendan Marais, Liam Townsend, Hayden Smith, Ryan Townsend and Tegan Verevis.

Crawford, Northland's top young gymnast, was the pick of the bunch as she finished third in the Step 8 division.

Within the division, she picked up a gold medal on the vault while finished with a silver on the bar.

Whangarei Academy of Gymnastics head coach Vicki Macdonald said Crawford was impressive.

"She's a pretty amazing gymnast. This is her third year as a senior gymnast so she is right up there with the best in New Zealand."

Meanwhile Marais, Liam Townsend and Smith competed in the Boys' Level 4.

Marias was the best placed Northlander with a silver on the pommel. The other two were not as highly placed but all three will gain a lot from the experience.

Ryan Townsend competed in Level 5, finishing the national competition 16th overall.

Meanwhile Verevis competed in her first nationals as Northland's only trampolinist at the premier competition.