Wayne ‘Spotty’ Leppard and Nick Walsh recently represented Victoria at the 2026 Australian National Bridge Championships in Canberra.
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Local bridge players Wayne ‘Spotty’ Leppard and Nick Walsh recently proved that regional talent could shine on Australia’s biggest stage.
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The pair, who have played bridge together for about six years, recently represented Victoria in the seniors’ team at the 2026 Australian National Bridge Championships in Canberra.
Contract Bridge is a strategic, partner-based card game where pairs bid on how many tricks or rounds they can win, either with a designated trump suit or no trump.
To score points, the highest-bidding pair must hit their declared target across rounds, while their opponents fight to stop them.
Excluding teams from Geelong, Spotty believes they are the first regional pair to ever qualify for the Victorian team, a huge feat for the Kyabram and Shepparton locals.
“We’re a little bit proud at this stage in life,” Spotty said.
Their journey to Canberra began after the pair won at the regional pairs and teams’ championships earlier this year, which allowed them to play in Melbourne, where they finished in second place.
The pair’s performance in Melbourne secured them a spot on the six-person state team and sent them to Canberra where they played from July 6 to 10, against some of the nation’s best.
The Victorian seniors bridge team. (Back) Nick Walsh, Dee Harley, non-playing captain Andrew Macready-Bryan and Gordon McRobert. (Front) Spotty Leppard, Thilak Ranasinghe and Stephen Weisz.
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Facing teams from across Australia, the Victorian seniors played four demanding days of round robin, competing in four two-hour matches each day.
Spotty and Nick, alongside their team members, finished with seven wins and five losses to finish fourth out of seven teams overall.
“We’re happy with our result. It was a good experience for the week, and it’s the first time I’ve played with a captain,” Spotty said.
For Spotty, who has been playing since the early 1980s, the achievement marks a milestone, as it was his first appearance at the championships.
Looking ahead, the pair will continue competing in local congresses and state events ahead of next year’s national championships.
For anyone interested in playing bridge, the Echuca and Shepparton clubs are welcoming new members.
To join, contact Spotty on 0490 330 013 or Echuca residents can contact Chris Turner on 0409 008 612.
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