Quick go the shears

Just 27.9 seconds was all it took for Whetu Henderson to shear a sheep in the final heat for the Kojonup Speed Shears last weekend.

Mr Henderson shaved more than 12 seconds off the official Guinness Book of Records fastest time of 39.31 seconds. In addition, all four competitors in the open final beat the Guinness Book of Records time.

In second place, Jason Leevey shore his sheep in just 30.07 seconds. Willy Wilson, who came third, did it in 30.58 seconds, while Johno Shorten in fourth place was only just behind with 32.44 seconds.

Despite the record times, Guinness Book of Records officials were not there to record the feat.

A total of 31 competitors travelled from across the Great Southern and Wheatbelt to race the clock in novice, intermediate, senior and open heats.

Committee member Connie Brown said it was a great day for everyone and the event highlighted that there were still plenty of skilled young shearers out there.

“It’s a fun day and reminds people of Kojonup’s heritage — it was the first shire with a million sheep and people tend to forget that shearers were a part of that, ” Mrs Brown said. “An event like this doesn’t happen without a lot of work and generosity — so thank you to all helpers and sponsors.”

Winners included Tania Tuwhangai in the novice round, Nathan Gleeson for intermediates and Richard Sturis in seniors.