Triplets have scored two firsts for Waitaki Valley School.
The team of Olivia, Ben and Kate Paton beat 45 others from throughout the Central South Island to win the years 7 and 8 Otago Daily Times Extra! Spelling Quiz, held at the Timaru Boys' High School hall yesterday afternoon.
The Patons, from Kurow, are the first set of triplets to have competed in the history of the contest and have also given Waitaki Valley School its first taste of success.
However, it was down to wire, as Waitaki was locked neck-and neck with defending champion Ashburton Intermediate at the end of the 10-round contest.
With both teams locked on 96 points out of a possible 100, it went to a spell-off and only one word between them.
Hinds School and Oamaru Intermediate School tied at third equal-with 94 out of 100.
The Patons, all born within seven minutes of each other, said they all enjoyed a balanced breakfast as part of preparation for the spelling bee.
The mother, Jane Paton said the siblings co-operated well with each other.
''They always challenge each other and they are competitive.''
Quiz co-ordinator and Extra! editor Ivan Behrnes said it was the first time triplets had entered the competition and the first time Waitaki Valley School had won the contest.
Thirty-five teams of years 5 and 6 pupils also competed in an earlier round. Allenton School, from Ashburton, took first place with 92 out of 100.
Grantlea Downs School, from Timaru, and another team from Allenton School tied for second, with 91 out of 100.
Winning team captain Emily Milner said it had taken a month of hard work and practice. The competition continues this afternoon at Timaru Boys' High School, when years 9 and 10 pupils will compete.
A total of 104 teams and 300 pupils from Rakaia to North Otago will compete in Timaru over the two days.