Up and coming Border softball star Tynan Purtell relished the experience of playing at the national softball championships in Sydney this month.
The 17-year-old represented the under-18's Victorian side which finished the competition in equal third place behind teams from Queensland and New South Wales.
Purtell said while the squad experienced a shaky start in their opening games, he was happy with what he was able to deliver during the week long event contested in Blacktown.
"We started off a bit slow with two losses on the first day but then we started to find our strengths and were able to string a few wins together," Purtell said.
"Towards the end of the tournament our batting let us down and we went back to how we were at the start of the competition.
"I think I did everything I needed to do.
"Considering how I was going last year, I've definitely improved with my speed (pitching), so that was one of the main things that caught everyone's eye I think.
"It was a very good experience, I enjoyed it a lot."
It marked the third occasion Purtell had represented the state, with the youngster having high hopes of returning to the national stage next year to compete in the under-23's age category.
While the Albury product admits it will pose as a challenge moving up through the age group, he said he enjoys coming up against fierce competition from around the country.
"Most of the competition will still be the same with a couple of older guys playing as well," Purtell said.
An Australian team was announced at the completion of the championships with some of the best players picked from around the country.
While Purtell missed out on selection for the national side, one of his Victorian under-18 teammates was picked.
"There was some very strong competition to make that Aussie team," Purtell said.
"They were all really fighting hard and improved heaps, it was unbelievable."
Purtell is now winding down from the sport for the summer break as he waits for the softball Albury-Wodonga competition to commence again in the early months of next year.
The talented youngster plays for the Wodonga men's outfit in the Border competition and is about to head into his final year of schooling.
Eight games have been played so far in the Albury-Wodonga softball competition with the Warriors currently leading the way undefeated, with Spartans sitting in second position.