Juniors pipped at post in finals

Bunbury's junior fire brigade team put in an outstanding effort to finish runners-up in the 2010 State Junior Fire Brigade Championships recently.

In a finals showdown that went down to the wire, Bunbury missed out on first place by less than a second to Victorian team Pakenham.

Held in North Fremantle, more than 350 juniors from around the State competed at the event which showcased some of the skills required for fire fighting.

Teams faced a number of challenges such as dry works, where they were required to connect a series of hoses in sequence in the shortest time possible.

In the wet events, contestants connected a hose to a hydrant to squirt a target and stop the clock.

City of Bunbury Volunteer Bushfire Brigade captain Terri Kowal said the competition not only taught practical skills, but was a great spectator sport.

‘‘It was extremely nailbiting but the kids kept their composure, they were very calm, cool and collected about it all — it was great to watch the determination on their faces,’’ Mrs Kowal said.

‘‘It develops skills, teamwork and leadership towards creating future fire fighters.’’