Podium finish for local fireys

A LOCAL fire brigade has scored a fantastic result at the biggest competition on its calendar, with three medals and an overall podium finish.

The Elaine Fire Brigade took part in this month’s Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria (VFBV) State Rural Championships, which were held across March 16 and March 17 for Juniors, and March 23 and March24 for Seniors.

The four-member Elaine team at the Junior competition were unlucky to not win a medal, but the Senior team came second in the Division 2 Low Down Pump & Ladder event, and the Tanker Hose, Reel &

Ladder event.

They also came third in the Tanker Priming, Pumping & Ladder event, earning an overall equal third place at the event, shared with Eldorado.

Elaine championships team manager Trinsa Lewis said the VFBV State Rural Championships were something her brigade counted down the days to each year.

“The events include practicing rolling out hoses, connecting them in different combinations, and hitting targets in different sequences. So basically learning to use the equipment, going up ladders, and working as a team in the fastest possible time,” Ms Lewis said.

“The teams train for a few months before the event, sort of since January they’ve been training for.

“It’s the biggest weekend of the year. We’ve competed at three or four other regional comps in the lead-up, which is good practice.

“Competing against every other rural brigade on this final weekend is really good, it’s a lovely event.”

While the Juniors didn’t bring home any medals, it was the first time competing for most of them, and Ms Lewis is confident they’ll improve, get faster, and bring home some silverware in the future.

“Most of our Juniors, this was their first year competing. Out of a team of four competitors, three were there for the first time,” she said.

“But they’re our team of the future. The teams that took part in the Seniors this year, three of those five have been training together since they were 11 years old.

“We’ve got our new lot of Juniors coming up behind them now, who will hopefully come out just as successful.”