The creditable performance surprised the team’s apprehensive coach Peter Dixon who feared the team would be slaughtered at this elite level.

Mr Dixon travelled with the team to Penrith early October where they proved to be fast learners.

After a touch-up in the first game to Epping Boys High, the team regrouped to win two of their final five games and narrowly miss the semi-finals.

They also managed to exact vengeance on arch rivals Callaghan College, Newcastle, who Wingham finished second to at the State titles in August.

Mr Dixon is already looking forward to next year’s comp.

“I believe this team can be a real surprise packet at State and national levels next season,” he said.