First shearing competition for expo

Shearers from Nungarin to Broomehill oiled their handpieces and grinded their combs for the first shearing competition at the Williams Gateway Expo.

The expo now includes a full circle of events supporting the wool industry — sheep judging, wool fleece competition and shearing.

Organiser Gavin Fowler said the one-day competition was affiliated with the WA Competitive Shearing Association and attracted 28 shearers.

“We are hoping to be back next year with four to five stands,” Mr Fowler said.

This year, five divisions competed in a two-stand heat shearing between three to 10 sheep in heats and finals depending on the division.

Jackson Fleay from the WA Agriculture College in Cunderdin won the novice division and Roger Gillett, Williams, came first in the Under 21s.

Broomehill shearer Belinda Box was first in the intermediates and Richard Sturis, of Manjimup, was first in seniors.

Quindanning’s Mark Buscumb won the open.