Clint Bellamy, president of the Taranaki Shears, says it was another successful year for the annual competition held at the Stratford War Memorial Hall on Sunday, March 29.
A total of 95 shearers and wool handlers entered the competition, which is now in its 28th year, including legendary Te Kuitishearer David Fagan and the new Golden Shears champion Gavin Mutch.
"It was a strong group of competitors this year, but it was Hastings competitor Rowland Smith who took out the open title in the end," says Clint.
Rowland, who is a reigning world champion, took the top spot from local shearers after shearing 20 sheep in 15 minutes and 16 seconds with a score of 61.766 points.
Stratford's Paul Avery came in second place with a score of 62.660 points.
Paul says this wasn't his first time at the event and he had been looking forward to competing against local legend David Fagan.
David has been a master of shearing for so long and to have him compete with us in his final shearing season at the Taranaki Shears was great.
The Taranaki Axeman group were also at the shears competition and Clint says they provided great entertainment in between shearings.
Clint says there is a lot of hard work that goes into organising the shears competition, "I would like to thank the committee and helpers because without them this event wouldn't be possible".
