A team of female canoe polo players from Chanel College tested the mettle of their elite male counterparts at the National Secondary School Championships in Feilding.
The six-member squad were the only senior Wairarapa team to compete at the event, which was held at the Makino Aquatic Centre over three days from March 28.
Coach Brenda Clayton said the "girls were up against some stiff challenges" but had qualified for the national competition after proving their abilities against strong male teams at the Wellington Regional Competition.
The Chanel College squad was a mix of year 9 to 13 students who also had to compete at the senior grade.
"The younger members rose to this challenge and the team were thrilled to be competing at a national level."
