Rookie teens nail students shearing challenge

Two teenagers from a fledgling Southern Hawke's Bay agricultural training farm have become the first winners at the 59th Golden Shears in Masterton.

Former Hastings Boys High School pupil Jesse McIntyre, 18, and from Hastings, and former Napier Boys High School pupil Connor McIntyre, 17, from Pongaroa – who are not related – were among the first two intakes of three cadets a year at A.D.B.Williams Trust's Pukemiro Station, east of Dannevirke.

Today they took Pukemiro to victory in the second Golden Shears Life Members Student Shearing Challenge, which also attracted teams from Smedley, in Central Hawke's Bay, Waipaoa, north of Gisborne, and Rathkeale College, near Masterton.

Golden Shears president Sam Saunders said it was good to see the young shearers getting a start. "We hope they get the bug," he said.

The winners had only recently completed their first shearing course, under the guidance of trainers Mark Buick and Russell Knight, Connor McIntyre showing early signs of "the bug" by competing at the Dannevirke A and P Show on February 1 and the Apiti and District Show last Saturday, when he was third in the Novice event.

It was teammate Jesse McIntyre's first competition, but there would be more at Masterton for both. They each qualified for the semi-finals of the Novice Shearing Championship.

Jeese McIntyre, of Hastings, shearing to Pukemiro Station's win in the students challenge among teams from four agricultural training courses. PHOTO/Pete Nikolaison, Golden Shears.

Connor McIntyre, of Pongaroa, shearing to Pukemiro Station's win in the students challenge among teams from four agricultural training courses.

Golden Shears life member Selwyn Tomlin about to present winning ribbons to Pukemiro Station's steam of Connor McIntyre and Jesse McIntyre on the opening day of the Golden Shears in Masterton today.