SOME of Inverell's best and most dedicated shearers and wool handlers have brought home competitive results from the Longreach Diamond Sports Shears.

Six competitors, including Inverell's champion shearer Ross Thompson, made the 16-hour trip to Queensland to face more than 70 top competitors from all over eastern Australia and New Zealand.

Thompson was able to bring home first place in the open quick shear, but was fifth in the open shearing behind Mick Nancarrow, who took second place in the event.

Mandy Symons, who now resides at Glen Innes, placed fourth in the open wool handling, while Ashford's Arron Hatcher took fifth place in the intermediate shearing.

Nicole Symons from Delungra placed second in the novice wool handling and Inverell's Robert Kennedy and Delungra's Steve Symons also made the trek to lend their judging experience to the competition.

But Mandy said it was not all hard work for the New England representatives who also took time out on the way to the event to stop at Australia's largest shearing shed.

"We stopped to see a 50 stand shed at Isis Downs near Isisford," Mandy said.

"It's the biggest stand in the southern hemisphere, made by the same people who built the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

"It's in good condition, even though they don't run sheep there anymore."

The group also visited The Australian Stockmans hall of fame.

© 2006 Inverell Times

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