The pair, who have played together for six years, said prizes were never the main focus –  they wanted to participate and build experience on a bigger stage. 

“It was a higher standard of bridge and very, very competitive,” Ms Lyons said of the competition. “The adrenaline really starts to kick in after a couple of rounds.”

The pair travelled to Canberra with six other Ballarat Bridge Club members for the three-day event, which is one of the biggest bridge competitions nationally. They hope their success will encourage others to join their club.

“It’s the prestige and it has proven that we can do it,” Ms Broeders said. “All of our hard work has paid off.”