A SOUTH East worker has won the senior division in the Mount Gambier Spring Show Speed Shear competition at the weekend, placing first in the senior division.
Over $16,500 in cash and prizes were up for grabs, with Halen Wakefield, 25, scoring himself $2500 and a hand piece.
Mr Wakefield has been involved in shearing activities since he was young, being brought up on the land.
“I first began wool pressing when I was 16, living in New Zealand,” Mr Wakefield said.
“My family and I moved to Australia not that long ago and that is when I made shearing a permanent career.
“Shearing was very hard at first, but I guess everything you begin is hard to start with.”
Mr Wakefield overheard others entering the competition through talk in the agricultural community and thought he would provide tough rivalry.
“This event is a big thing in the shearing world,” Mr Wakefield told The Border Watch on Saturday.
“Most shearers I know here today are ones I grew up with.
“It was very tough and I think I just got lucky.”
Mr Wakefield has strong aspirations of progressing further through competitive speed shearing.
“I think this win just showed the world that I might be able to enter the open division in next year’s event,” he said.
“The main difference between the two divisions would be the level of experience and amount of sheep competitors shear each day.
“Open competitors shear around 600 sheep per day whereas seniors shear just under that – I will step up my game next year and will increase my numbers.”
Although shearing keeps those involved fit, Mr Wakefield also mentioned how hard it can be.
Mr Wakefield won the senior division with a time of 28.22 seconds, Dillan Moon came in close second at 29.01 seconds and Bobby Sharp placed third with a time of 29.84 seconds.
Tyla Gyns dominated the female division by scoring a time of 32.6 seconds, Kerri-Jo TeHuia came close in second with a score of 37 seconds and third place was sealed by Katie Reid at 41.40 seconds.
Kelvin Walker sheared a sheep in the quick time of 22 seconds, winning the open competition, Jimmy Samuels scored second place with a time of 22.61 seconds and Beau Guelfi finished in 24.5 seconds, placing third.
