Rip roaring rodeo |
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 NO REPEAT: President of the Helensville Rodeo Club Steve Polwart, with partner Noor Ishok, competing in the open team roping event at Waikato Rodeo, Kihikihi Domain, on Saturday. Polwart won the event at last month’s Helensville Rodeo, but finished out of the major placings at Kihikihi. He was lying sixth in the national standings before Saturday’s event. Full rodeo report features on page 19. 0540601AD By Colin Thorsen There is no stopping national allround cowboy Clarry Church. The 2005 champion moved into an unassailable lead in this year’s competition after the penultimate Waikato Rodeo at Kihikihi on Saturday. Church won the open rope and tie event, along with placing third in the saddle bronc. He increased his lead over second placed Wayne McCormack to well over $1000 going into the national final at Outram, near Dunedin, on March 4. Dion, Corey and Daryl Church are all closing in on McCormack after featuring prominently at Kihikihi. Rex Church was also to the fore, winning the team roping, with son Dean, and placing second in the steer wrestling and fourth in rope and tie. More importantly, he collected sufficient points to qualify for the national final. Over 2000 spectators were treated to an action-packed day’s entertainment. Highlights included Larry Williams’ ripper ride in the open saddle bronce, and Brendon Graham’s crowd pleasing effort in the local bull ride.  RODNEY WALKER makes a spectacular exit from the open bull ride at the Waikato Rodeo at Kihikihi on Saturday. Mike Stinson photo One of the biggest cheers was reserved for popular Kihikihi cowboy Willie Corbett, who placed fourth in the open steer wrestling on his home patch. His son, Jock Corbett, won the second division bull ride, a feat he also managed at Hellensville. Spectator viewing was enhanced this year thanks to the sterling efforts of local farmer John Nicholson and his helpers, who shaped the banks both sides of the arena. Waikato Rodeo secretary, Jude Cornelius says she received much lavish praise about the Kihikihi Domain facility. “The cowboys and cowgirls always comment on our lovely grounds and how picturesque Kihikihi is. They love coming here. They love the arena, grounds and friendly atmosphere.” Cornelius paid Nicholson a compliment by saying there always seems to be something new and exciting happening at the Domain.  KALVIN SMITH (4) of Te Awamutu loved his time at the Waikato Rodeo on Saturday. But the action out in the middle had taken a temporary back seat when Kalvin was pictured about to endulge himself with a snow cone on an exceptionally hot afternoon at Kihikihi Domain. 0540619AD There were two minor injuries. Second division rider Barry Newman suffered ligament damage after a bull stood on his knee. The injury caused him to be scratched from the open saddle bronc and open steer wrestling. Local bull rider ‘Uncle Lorry’ Lawrence Gennett was seen walking very slowly yesterday after being unceremoniously dumped. Stock contractor Charlie Brown once again supplied excellent bulls, while horse contractor Terry Parsons also presented good quality stock. Yard controller, Gordon Lynds and his team kept the stock cool and calm in the shaded yards, helping ensure the stock were at their best for the crowd. ResultsOpen events: |