The dynamic duo competed over a period of eight days in November, with Kirkpatrick representing the NSW 12 years and under touch side for Singleton Public School and Ellis playing for the NSW 15 years and under squad on behalf of Singleton High School.

Although challenging, both youngsters said they found the Pacific School games enjoyable. 

Kirkpatrick’s team claimed a fantastic second place, missing out on the top spot by just one point after meeting Queensland.

The 12 years and under side was up by two points at one stage during the grand final, however the last five minutes saw Queensland take the win, she said.

 “It was pretty tough,” says Jules, who played link position during the games. 

“Teams came from all over Australia and Queensland took first place.

“We were winning in the first half, but the final score was 5-4.”

Similarly, the 15 years and under side received an admirable second place, with Queensland again taking out the competition. 

“We played Queensland three or four times,” Ellis told The Argus. 

“But we just couldn’t beat them and in the end they secured first place.” 

In order to get selected, the two local talents were chosen based off their performance in prior teams. 

On the weekend of May 2 and 3, Ellis was selected to attend the CHS Touch Football State Championships in Mudgee as part of the under-15 Hunter boys’ team. 

From there, he was chosen to represent NSW Combined High School’s NSWCHS state side to play at the NSW All Schools Carnival at Narrabeen.

It was this performance that granted the talented touch football player the chance to perform in the NSW Pacific School Games boys’ outfit.

For Kirkpatrick, the selection process differed due to her age category.

In order to be eligible for the NSW All Schools 12 years and under side, the youngster had to compete at the NSWPSSA State Touch Championships. 

At the end of the tournament, the NSW Pacific School Games team was selected, and Jules booked a well-deserved spot.

Incomparable to any other international school sport championship, the Pacific School Games provided opportunities for thousands of students to participate in nine different sports at the highest level, with 2015 being the first year touch football was included. 

For Ellis and Kirkpatrick, the Pacific School Games is the flagship event of school sport Australia. 

Congratulations are in order for the dynamic duo after having performed exceptionally well. 

Ellis’ performance has even granted him a place in the All Australian Merit Squad. 

We can only expect to see more from the pair in the coming years.