Both the debating shield and the sporting cup have been claimed by Berri Regional Secondary College as both schools celebrate a milestone in their exchange, which has become the longest running school exchange in Australia.
About 45 students travelled to Mount Gambier to compete in the 80th exchange in Week 10 of Term 2.
After an early start, they arrived and found their lodgings at the old Mount Gambier Gaol, before heading to a stadium to play futsal.
The girls team had a thrilling win over Mount Gambier 4-2, with Macy, Charli and Tanika scoring and Macy and Tanika named best players. Macy was also named Most Valuable Player.
The boys team played strongly but went down 2-4, with Charlie and Jake both scoring and Jake and Zac named best players.
The travelling team was then officially greeted with a welcome ceremony by Mount Gambier High School, which included student performances.
After a dinner of pizzas and schnitzels, the team backed up for their basketball matches.
The girls continued their winning form with a convincing 50-19 win over Mount Gambier. Best players were Kia and Layla, with Kia also named Most Valuable Player.
The boys’ game was a nail-biter, with Berri going down 38-41. Best players were Dillon, Nate and Toby.
The campers reported sleeping well… although, eerily for the boys in Cell 4, phone locations showed up as being on O’Leary St, some 4km away.
They then discovered their former cell lodgings were once inhabited by prisoner, and convicted murderer, Charles O’Leary.
On day two of the exchange, the girls played netball.
The A’s won 41-26, with Macy and Shaya named best players and Macy named Most Valuable Player.
The B’s went down 16-26, with Ariah and Alessandra named best players.
Then the boys reversed their fortunes to win the football match 5:3 (33) to Mount Gambier’s 3:7 (25), with Dillon named Most Valuable Player.
After a farewell ceremony, the team made their way home with both the sporting cup and the debating shield.
The exchange with Mount Gambier High School provides more than just competition, but an opportunity for students to form connections, make friendships and continue a tradition that is valued by both schools.
Next year, Berri will continue the 80th celebrations, hosting Mount Gambier and proudly continuing their shared history.
