Wayne Pattison, of the Bendigo and Districts Fire Brigades Champion Committee, said Dargaville was first off the mark in the final but slipped on the very last ladder rung and was unable to manage a place.

He said the Kangaroo Flat contestant wasn’t injured, but was disappointed.

“That’s the way it goes,” Pattison said.

He said Dargaville handled the loss well and was determined to be back and stronger than ever next year.

Former Kerang man Jon Murphy placed first for Dandenong with a time of 6.39 seconds – just off Dargaville’s winning time last year, of 6.36 seconds.

Harvey A competitor Rhys Lanweir placed second, with a time of 6.56 seconds, after a run-off.

Matt Bodinnar, of Traralgon, placed third.

Bendigo is hosting the 135^th Annual Victorian Urban Fire Brigade Championships.

The competition takes place at the R F Turner Competition Track at Weeroona Oval from March 10 – 12.