In a nail biting finish that had everyone glued to the finish line at Falls Creek, Victoria, last weekend, Cooma's Ben Sim took first place in the 30km cross country classic, Australian Championship, just seven seconds ahead of NSWIS team mate and training partner, Chris Darlington, from Jindabyne.

NSWIS observers said that the men's race was the most exciting 30km seen in many years.

NSWIS and Australian skier, Chris Darlington, set the early pace with Ben Sim back in sixth place after the first lap.

In the second half of the race Ben dug deep and worked his way up through the field to join Chris at the front.

On the last lap, Ben surged 20 seconds ahead, before Chris made a huge effort to close the gap in the last few kilometres.

In the end just seven seconds separated the two skiers after almost an hour and half of racing.

Frenchman, Geoffroy Pais, who is training and working in Jindabyne, took third place.

There were further celebrations in the NSWIS team after Sydney's Aimee Watson won the women's 15km classic.

Aimee established an early lead ahead of Victorians and fellow Australian team mates, Esther Bottomley and Chloe McConville.

As the race progressed Aimee slowly drew further ahead to win by over three minutes. Victorian Belinda Phillips was third, with fourth place going to impressive up and coming NSW junior Lucy Glanville from Sydney.

Juniors

In the Victorian Sprint championships NSW skiers were most successful in the Men's U20 with Callum Watson winning this event.

In the Women's U16 it was a NSW trifecta, with Lucy Glanville a run-a-way winner and Laura Bull taking 2nd place ahead of Siobhan Jones in 3rd place.

The Men's U12 was won by Damon Morton ahead of fellow NSW team member Matthew Bull.