The Lakes Entrance Pelicans were represented by four teams at the Junior Country Championships in Shepparton over
the weekend.
The club fielded under 18 and under 16 boys and girls teams, competing against the best country sides in Victoria across two demanding days of competition.
The standout performers were the under 18 boys, who were narrowly defeated by Ararat in a nail-biting semi-final, 39–35. The side recorded wins over Foster (twice), Poowong and Ararat during the tournament.
Team members were Xavier Martin, Dominic Mahony, Cooper Linn, Evan Pompei, Jayden Hayes, Zane Holley, Cooper Anderson, Lachlan Caret and Bill Prior.
The under 18 girls were defeated by Terang in their first final, 23–14, with their only win of the championships coming against Bacchus Marsh. The team comprised Lily Eiseman, Emily O’Donnell, Makayla Grabham, Alissah Edwards, Lillyarna Perry, Jade Frost, Hannah Smith and
Zara De Donato.
The under 16 boys team of Nathan Nguyen, Oli Jenkins, Jake Silver, Lochie Yates, Nick Morrison, Oscar Mann and Jack Hayllar were unable to register a win.
The under 16 girls team, featuring Violet Lyon, Makenna Johns, Nakita Willis, Ariana Booth, Arlia Wightman, Tarsha Orr and Sal Milito, was competitive throughout but also finished without a victory.
