The Nulkaba team of Jordyn Jeffery, Ryan Forrest and Kyla Borghero won $1800 for their school, and a further $250 when it defeated Kurri High School in the play-off between primary and high school winners.

The Kurri High team (Callum Procter, Oscar Harvey and Emma Benic) won $250 after beating Cessnock, Mount View and St. Philip’s to win the Year 7 competition.

Nulkaba’s new principal Narelle Hunt, attending her first Mayoral Academic Challenge, said it was a spectacular event and that she was very proud of her students.

“I’ve never seen anything like it in the Newcastle area, and it’s great to be involved,” she said.

Small schools Laguna (runners-up) and Paxton (third place) continued their good run in the challenge. Laguna (the 2009 champions) has made the final three times in seven years and Paxton has twice.

Laguna’s team of Fin Pratt, Jarrod Biggs and Ben James won $1000 and the Paxton team (Brock Sinclair, Kyle Rees and Hayden Cashmere) took home $500 for their schools to spend on equipment.

Nineteen primary schools took part in this year’s challenge. The other semi-finalists were Branxton, Cessnock and Ellalong.

“The challenge has been held for seven years and I wish to thank all the students who participated this year – they are all winners and I thank the parents and teachers of the schools involved – they should be very, very proud,” Mayor of Cessnock, Cr. Alison Davey said.

“My thanks to the Rotary Club of Cessnock and particular thanks to Mr. David Clark, Mrs. Judy Clark, Mrs. Janette Jackson and Mr. Tom Hannah for their immense help during the three-day competition.

“And my thanks also to the Cessnock High School students who demonstrated technical skills of the highest order to ensure the success of the event.”

Sponsors of the 2012 Challenge are Rover Motors, Cessnock Achievement Centre, DLW Corporate Services, Hunter Resource Recovery, Kurri Bowling Club and Weston Workers Club.