A NEW era began as Kerang Technical High School held its first sporting event since halving its number of houses to two.
It was a cliffhanger, with Murray edging out Loddon 409 points to 401.
While most of the day was taken up with interhouse competition governed by the conventional rules of swimming, some interesting tactics were employed during the staff versus students relay race.
As a spectator, it wasn’t that easy to tell who won that fever-pitched battle, with some unconventional happenings throughout, but the staff claimed victory, with physical and health education teacher Tessa Demaria taking to the microphone to remind students of their defeat.
There is no official word on whether international swimming body FINA will be investigating that outcome, taking into account numerous potential breeches of the rules.
However, it may be difficult to determine which side was more at fault.
Some fine swimming was on display during the day-long battle between Murray and Loddon houses.
For others, it was all about participation and giving their best, despite not being regular competitive swimmers.
After the conclusion of interhouse competition, age group champions were acknowledged for junior, intermediate and senior sections.
Murray house representatives Hannah Gardiner and Ryan Bassett were junior age champions.
Nathan Boysen (Loddon) and Jasmine Bortolotto claimed that status in the intermediate section.
Toby Whinfield, of Loddon, was senior boys champion while Demby Makeham and Laura Thomas, both of Murray, were joint champions in the senior girls section.
