NEW ZEALAND BEATS A TOUGH AUSSIE SIDE IN WOOLHANDLING TEST - 6 March 2009

NEW ZEALAND fought off a tough Aussie side to take home the sashes at the Golden Shears Woolhandling test tonight.

Joel Henare and Keryn Herbert worked every inch of the way, finishing behind Australians Rachel Hutchison and Angela Wakely in time, but winning on total points at the Genesis Recreation Centre in Masterton, New Zealand.

The Australians gained a quick lead on their preferred breed, the merino, with a lovely first throw from Hutchison on the table.

The woolhandlers follow the shearer round the animal, ordering the fleece as it fell, as the Kiwis fought to gain ground.

But they were soon a fleece behind the Australians as the shearers swung into the belly blows on the second pair of merinos in the four merino, four crossbred sheep contest.

 “What did these Australians have for breakfast? They are having a helluva good time,” said commentator Koro Mullins.

The Kiwis worked hard to catch up on the crossbreeds but the Australians finished first.

Speaking after the event Hutchinson said the Australian policy had been one of all guns.

“Just go for it,” she said.

Henare said the Kiwis had sacrificed time for quality. 

“Quality counts, that’s what it’s all about. We like to make sure we do a good job for the farmer and put the money in his pocket. But like the Aussie’s say, go hard or go home,” he said.

Quality did count. The Kiwi took home the victory sashes with just 30 points between them and the Australians, a close margin in woolhandling events. 

The big merino, an Australian favourite, gives up his fleece during the New Zealand-Australia Woolhandling test at the Golden Shears tonight.	.	Australia’s Rachel Hutchison awaits a fleece.

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