Stratford wins one title, misses another

Waitakere Rollerskating Club's Alessandra Mutton competing in the Primary Girls Freeskating, which involves jumps and spins being choreographed to music.

A second national title proved a step beyond Wanganui's Rachael Stratford as the New Zealand National Rollerskating Championships concluded on Saturday afternoon at Jubilee Stadium.

Stratford, who won the Novice Ladies Figures championship at the start of last week, got through 23 competitors to make the top seven of the Novice Solo Dance on Saturday, to finish fifth overall in her next skate.

The day closed out the championships during which Wanganui, along with Stratford's title, saw third placings achieved by Julia van Niekerk (Preliminary Ladies Figures) and Sharon-Rose Riddell (Juvenile Girls Figures).

Those three skaters also got other top five placings, while Wanganui cousins Emily and Hannah Smith picked up fourth placings and other top finishers in the International Ladies' classes.

Unfortunately, it was not enough for either Smith to be named in the New Zealand team to compete at the Oceania Championships in April 2014. The Wanganui club also picked up the Rotorus Trophy for best-dressed team at the opening ceremony.

In other results, the Charles Jacobsen Trophy for the club gaining the most points from placings over the course of the championships went to Upper Hutt Rollerskating Club, whose members finished with a combined 111 points. The trophy is decided by giving each competitors three points for a win, two for second and one for third.

Upper Hutt's domination of the event was clear as the second-best in the Charles Jacobsen standings was Manawatu Showgrounds Skating Club with 45 points.

The Whittle Cup for the Youngest Placed Skater went to Anita Cho, 6, from the Hamilton Club, who won Tiny Tots freeskating event.

The 2014 Nationals will be held at the ASB Stadium in Auckland.

Skate NZ spokeswoman Mary-Anne Thomson said Jubilee Stadium had been a worthy host.

"All agree the week-long event in Wanganui has been excellent, with a great skating surface, strong supportive local club and great weather."