FAN FAVOURITE: King Country’s Jack Fagan will be one to watch at the North Island Speed Shears in Te Kūiti tomorrow night. FILE PHOTO
KING Country’s Jack Fagan knows a thing or two about shearing fast.
He is a three-time North Island speed shearing champion and hopes to make it four at Waitete Rugby Club in Te Kūiti tomorrow night.
Fagan, who broke a world record in December last year, is one of many quality shearers in a strong line-up.
The North Island Speed Shears features more than $6000 in prize money.
There’s a couple of different divisions as well with the open shearing and the senior division, with both having a top six for the final.
“The speed shear on Friday night is a great fundraiser for the local fire brigade and the rugby club. It’s always a great night and well followed by the community.”
Fagan said the speed shears would be a good build up to the New Zealand Shears, which are taking place next week.
“It’s going to be a good weekend of preparation for next week.”
Fagan said the Friday night field should be strong.
“It will be one of the last chances for shearers to make the New Zealand side, so I think anyone wanting to make the team will be there.”
He’s excited to get up on stage and show the rest of the competition why he is a three-time champion of the event.
“Yeah, absolutely. It’s going to be a great night. Thanks to all the sponsors and supporters who are helping on the night.”
It’s a quieter time of the season for speed shearing but Fagan said he hoped to finish the next couple of weeks on a high.
“We are in our quieter time of year now, which is nice cause we get to have a bit more of a life than just shearing.
“I was second in the weekend to Rowland Smith and had a good win at the speed shears, so hopefully I can continue the form for the next couple of weeks.”
It’s an event Fagan has competed in for the past 12 years and being a King Country lad, one he will no doubt continue to compete in going forward.
An added incentive for Fagan and other King Country shearers is the top two from the King Country in the open heats will line up against Welsh duo Dylan Jones and Gethin Lewis.
On March 30 at the Quota Club there is another speed shear, which Fagan feels will attract a strong turnout of competitors.
“It’s the New Zealand Shearing Championships speed shears.”
Friday’s event at the Waitete Rugby Club begins at 7pm and the shearing is set for 10am at the Waitomo Sports Day, which is another event that is set to be feature a full field and plenty of other exciting events throughout the day.
The Waitomo event is one Fagan is yet to win and having finished second a couple of times, hopefully 2023 might be his lucky charm.
