An Australian shearer has claimed the New Zealand Merino Shearing Championship open title for the third year in a row.
Defending champion Damien Boyle, of Broomehill, Western Australia, won his third successive title by seven points ahead of Chris Vickers, of Palmerston, in the final staged in Alexandra last night
New Zealanders Tony Coster, Mana Te Whata, Charlie O'Neill and Nathan Stratford also made the final.
World wool handling champion Joel Henare, of Gisborne, took top honours in the open wool handling championship, ahead of Cushla Abraham, Tina Rimene and Sharnie Graeme.
About 200 shearers and woolhandlers competed in the 51st championship, which took place over two days.
