COLERAINE is still celebrating the successful staging of the Australian Rope Quoits Championships at the Coleraine Mechanics Hall that saw the local club claim both the men’s and ladies team titles last weekend.

Not only did the locals grab both titles, but Sally Armstrong was also selected in the Australian team for her efforts in both singles and team play.

Armstrong led the local ladies’ side to the Australian title along with Genevieve MacDonald, Debbie Turner, Margaret Ferguson, Lois Cooper, and Lorrae Clarke.

The Coleraine team defeated both Melbourne and Ballarat to claim the title with Armstrong leading the way.

“I have been playing approximately 15 years after following my Dad into the sport,” Armstrong said.

“Our team played so well across the weekend with everyone playing their role.

“We don’t train specifically for this event, but we do play every Monday night through winter and as the championships grew nearer, we were practicing every couple of days in preparation.

“Genevieve MacDonald was practicing every day in the lead up to the event and her form was great.”

It wasn’t the first time Armstrong gained national selection but was still excited to be chosen.

“It is the second time I have gained Australian selection, but we don’t get to play,” she said.

“Ian Brown was runner-up in the Veterans Singles section and he too was selected.”

Not only did the ladies team win, but also the men’s team led by Damian Watt, Ian Brown, Malcolm Lowin, Bill Nichol, Bob Hiatt and Ron Smith, combining to take out the men’s team title too.

Ian Brown had a big weekend as he finished runner up in Veterans singles event as well.