ELDORADO CFA brigade is primed to launch a major charge at its first state title in years, after its senior running team took home a clean sweep of Sunday’s District 23 championships.

With the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria Rural State Championships set to be held at Mooroopna in a little over two weeks, District 23 championship committee deputy state delegate Peter Brick said the resounding victory at Eldorado’s Centennial Park had caught those involved by surprise.

Mr Brick said it was the first time Eldorado had won every event at a district championship meeting, however, Springhurst and the former Greta running teams had previously done so.

He said a clean sweep was a rare occurrence at the hotly-contested gatherings.

Springhurst finished second in the senior competition, and took out the grand aggregate in the 11-15-year-old junior category ahead of Eldorado, rounding out a strong showing for CFA District 23 brigades.

“We knew our teams were good, but didn’t really expect Eldorado to win every event,” Mr Brick said.

“It was very enjoyable to watch but very unexpected.

“I think Greta have done it in the past, and possibly Springhurst as well, but it’s the first time Eldorado’s done it.

“Our competitors are back to training and they’re hoping to improve their times and be competitive against all the other brigades from around the state.

“They’d really like to take out the state aggregate.”

Gapsted (District 24) took home victory in the 11-13-year-old category ahead of Bethanga/Talgarno (District 24), as the brigades now turn their attention to the District 22 championships at Mooroopna on March 17, ahead of the state championships the following weekend.

Mr Brick said Sunday’s event had also welcomed interest from other brigades in the region, with fellow District 23 brigade Merton expressing interest in participating.

“There was a person up from (Merton) having a look – they’re District 23 as well so they came up to have a look and see what happens,” he said.

“Hopefully they’ll get a team together next year.”