Six students – Logan Mahalm, Taj Doyle, Blake McDonald, Charlie Lamonte, Charlotte Rudd and Kalem Thompson – have recently competed at different carnivals where they played for Riverina at a state level. 

Logan, Blake and Kalem all played at the PSSA state championships in Tamworth earlier this month.

On the first day of competition, Riverina played tough matches against Sydney South West and Sydney East, but were unable to come away with a victory. 

However, the following day they took down North West 22-0 before going down 20-0 to Sydney North. 

Their third game of the day was a narrow loss to South Coast 16-12. 

The final day of competition had Riverina take on the western region, but were unable to come through with a win following an intense three days of game time. 

Logan said it was a good experience.

“It was fun playing and we got to make a lot of new friends,” he said. 

“I would like to make the team again next year.”

For Taj, he represented Riverina at the NSW PSSA Australian Football Championships in Nelson Bay at the end of May. He was part of a successful team that enjoyed a solid competition to finish the runners-up. 

“The Riverina team went undefeated until we lost the grand final,” he said. 

“I played in the forward line and back line. 

“I preferred playing on the half forward flank where I kicked three goals. I really enjoyed myself and the experience of playing against the best in the state.”

Charlotte and Charlie headed to Albury from June 7 to 9 where their skills were put to the test. 

“We won one and drew two of our games,” Charlie said. 

“The game we won was against North Coast. 

“We played six games all up. It was fun to play though.”

The recent Riverina representation continued on from seven other LPS students making the same level for swimming earlier this year. 

Leeton Public assistant principal Catherine Tabain said the students had taken plenty away from the experience. 

“It’s fantastic to have the kids doing so well in a range of different sports,” she said. 

“To be able to make that level is such an achievement. 

“We have a great sport program here at LPS and we have many talented students. 

“This level of competition is a great experience for them.”