Quick Shears win a first for Hart

Shears clicked swiftly for the Mingenew Lions Midwest Expo's Quick Shears competition.

Geraldton lad Tiger Hart took home $1200 in the fastest open category, with a time of 37.01 seconds, well recuperating the $40 entry fee.

Mr Hart has never won in Mingenew before, but has had victories in Mullewa and Geraldton.

Second prize ($500) went to Roger Wakeling, who attained a time of 44.06 seconds.

The Ash Heitman Memorial Award is reserved for talented shearers living in the Shire of Mingenew, or within 80km of Mingenew.

Jamie Hutchinson from Dongara picked up first prize in the fastest local division, with a time of 41.83 seconds.

It was a comparatively close shave between Mr Hart and Paikea Walker, who came in second with a time of 43.15 seconds.

The event was co-ordinated by Mike Henderson, from Henderson Shearing Contractors.

Mr Henderson said the 20 or so competitors represented a slight downturn in numbers, with would-be contestants out working or repelled by wet weather.

"It was still a good cross-section of what's around," he said.

"It's not really about time, it's about the form. Last year, the time was about 31 or 32 seconds - I think it was about 29 at this year's Mullewa show.

"It's difficult to standardise though, as it all depends on the sheep."

Judges were Paul Starick, Helen Newton and Trent Davey.

The sheep were supplied by Dongara farmer Keith Punney.