After the first two events, the Red Devils accounted for 11 of the 12 placings through both boys’ and girls’ divisions, demonstrating the amount of youngsters who were keen to have a go.

Although the achievements were favourable, the junior events were less about competition and more about inclusiveness with entrants of all experience levels took part.

The short course, known as the enticer race, had a healthy mix of kids and adults racing which made for some good banter between family and friends in the spectating areas.

Beau and Darren Rohr from Mudgee finished first and second in the enticer, earning almost 20 points for the club which will help them in their fight to regain Central West honours.

Once 9.25am rolled around, 50-odd competitors were gearing up for the main event with Nick North from Bathurst and Devils’ president Matt Webster touted as a pair to watch.

Due to insufficient swimming area, Mudgee adopts the grand prix format every year which sees racers compete in five different circuits as opposed to three.

Instead of the traditional swim-ride-run, the main race was split into five parts, run-swim-ride-swim-run.

A shift in format didn’t appear to affect North as he bridged a gap between himself and the rest of the pack from the outset.

This would be the case until the very end as North crossed the stripe minutes in front, scoring crucial points for the Bathurst Wallabies.​

Matt Webster and Orange youngster Jack Bilton finished second and third as the pair were neck and neck for large parts of the race.

Orange trio Lauren Kerwick, Jesse Dean and Estelle Dean dominated for the ladies, finishing first, second and third respectively, getting their club on the score-sheet after a previously quiet morning for the defending champion Piranhas.

After the main race, Webster commended his club’s turnout, showing excitement for the rest of the series.

“Mudgee turned out in force today,” Webster said. “We’re looking really good this year and we’re going to take a great lead after this event.

Mudgee will travel to Cowra on December 3 for round two.