Rowland Smith wins sixth Golden Shears title

Rowkand Smith was favourite to win the Golden Shears Open event.
Rowkand Smith was favourite to win the Golden Shears Open event. Photo credit: Supplied

Defending champion Rowland Smith has claimed his sixth title at the Golden Shears in Masterton.

The TAB’s hot favourite to win, he sheared his way to victory in a packed War Memorial Stadium in Masterton.

As well as the Golden Shears Open title, the Hasting's shearer wins a place at the World Championships in France in July. 

The competition was tight in the Golden Shears Open contest.
The competition was tight in the Golden Shears Open contest. Photo credit: Golden Shears

In the woolhandling section, Gisborne's Joel Henare won the Golden Shears Open final.

The champion woolhandler has announced his retirement from the sport, after competing for over 10 years.

Shearing:

Golden Shears Open final (20 second-shear sheep): Rowland Smith (Maraekakaho) 17min 24.923sec, 59.146pts, 1; Nathan Stratford (Invercargill) 17min 55.739sec, 61.537pts, 2; Aaron Haynes (Feiulding) 18min 21.577sec, 63.429pts, 3; Mark Grainger (Te Kuiti) 17min 21.287sec, 64.364pts, 4; David Buick (Pongaroa) 17min 46.795sec, 67.04pts, 5; John Kirkpatrick (Pakipaki) 17min 54.461sec, 70.223pts.

Woolhandling:

Golden Shears Open final (six longwool fleeces, 4 second-shear): Joel Henare (Gisborne) 114.92pts, 1; Ana Braddick (Eketahuna) 212.6pts, 2; Chelsea Collier (Gore) 239.9pts, 3; Candy Hiri (Mataura) 269.9pts, 4.

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