Tony Gallow piped Gary Moore by one point to win the Champions class
We limit the Champion class to seven, and the lowest score each year sees someone relegated to Senior class and they have to battle their way back by winning. This year our senior winner Phil Hart who moves Champion class, well done Phil. David Dunk was a close second, and managed the whole thing with just hand tools.
Gary did however easily win the “Points Trophy” (points awarded for three ploughing matches and our annual competition)
In Veteran’s Clive Gilligan lost by one point to Mark Moore
In the Novice section Matthew Beard managed to hoover up all the prizes and next year moves up to Senior class (and from 8 yards to 10 yards on average)
The regrowth from last year was disappointing so we only awarded 1st place which went to Roger Taylor, who’s section was slightly better than anyone else managed.
Our new novices did well, they all finished their sections, with a little help from our chainsaw steward. Well done as a competition as an individual is a big jump from a training day. The trick is sharp tools and more practice, and most important to ask someone to critique their work after every section.
Thanks to all those who helped out, our wonderful judges and stewards who were all offering advice to the novices (and probably others as well) to help and encourage. This was very much appreciated by all, and really helped us deliver a really good hedge for the landowner. The setup crew did a superb job, and our team of photographers who provided pictures of everything and seemed to appear (often on mass) every-time we made a mistake!
Thanks to those who travelled a long distance - we had spectators from Yorkshire, and competitors from Holland.... and Dorset.
Thanks to the landowner for providing a great hedge, with great access
Just two more events left this season, the Fun day at Wittersham (superb lunch here!), and a bonus "midland day" back at Magham Down. The Midland day is for the more experienced cutters who would like to try a different style. Everyone is welcome, but I suggest only spectating if you are quite new to hedge laying.