Lennox Head surfer Mikey McDonagh beaten by close mate Caleb Tancred at Port Stephens

SURFING young gun Mikey McDonagh admits the fact that his loss was best mate Caleb Tancred’s gain takes the sting out of narrowly missing out on a maiden World Surf League Qualifying Series victory.

Childhood rivals and good mates Mikey McDonagh and Caleb Tancred. Picture: WSL/Ethan Smith

SURFING young gun Mikey McDonagh admits the fact that his loss was best mate Caleb Tancred’s gain takes the sting out of narrowly missing out on a maiden World Surf League Qualifying Series victory.

McDonagh and Tancred both made it through to their first QS final on Sunday at Birubi Beach in Port Stephens, NSW, setting the stage for an intriguing showdown given they have competed against one another since seven years of age.

It was Tancred, 17, who rose to the occasion in the small, inconsistent surf, mustering a two-wave heat score of 14.16 (out of a possible 20) to take the honours.

Mikey McDonagh at the 2018 Port Stephens Toyota Pro Men's QS1,000. Picture: WSL / Ethan Smith

McDonagh carried in strong form plus a recent unbeaten finals record in Pro Junior events but things failed to materialise this time around at QS level for the Lennox Head product.

“We’re childhood rivals and best friends so it’s definitely weird to share a QS final with Caleb,” he said.

“Getting runner-up usually stings but this isn’t stinging at all. Getting second here is a huge confidence boost heading into 2019.

“I had to surf five times today and I adopted the mindset that every heat was a bonus. I’m in a bit of shock, to be honest.”

Action from the women’s QS event resumes on Monday.