Wired up for a big challenge

17 May 2006

17 May 2006

Wired up for a big challenge

The annual Fieldays Waikato Draught / Wiremark Fencing Championships, now in their 38th year, are set to be a crowd pleaser at this year’s National Fieldays.

The competition has been part of Fieldays since they began at the Te Rapa Racecourse in 1969, and is still going strong.

Organisers say that the competition has been an excellent way to promote fencing and each year the field is so strong it’s difficult to pick a winner.

“Every year the competitors’ skill level improves, reflecting a professional trade where standards are on the rise. The Golden Pliers has been the training ground for many a young fencer starting out and it is excellent to see young guys coming through thirsty for knowledge and wanting to compete,” Simon Fuller, Chairman of the Fencing Contractors Association of New Zealand said.

“The introduction of the consolation round has meant guys who miss out on the finals can still compete at national level, take away judges comments, learn from their mistakes and try and improve on their performance for the next year,” he said.

Last year’s Golden Pliers winner, Owen Petersen of Owhango in the King Country, said participating in the competition had been a great experience and a learning curve.

“This will be my fifth year in the competition and every year I learn something new. I thoroughly recommend that other fencers get involved,” he said.

Competitors will be required to erect a 40metre line-wire fence consisting of two diagonal strainer assemblies, nine posts and two 2.50mm high tensile wires.

The competitors are judged on speed, quality and appearance. Judges will test the fence for loading, footing strength and wire tension.

Competition heats begin at 8am on Tuesday June 13 – public are welcome to come along and support their local contestant.

The top eight singles will compete in the Golden Pliers final on Thursday 15 June from 8am and the best six doubles teams will compete in the Doubles Final on Friday 16 June from 8am.

Farmers, fencing contractors and general fencing enthusiasts are encouraged to participate, with entries closing on 1 June 2006.

The winner of the singles competition will not only walk away with the coveted Golden Pliers trophy, but also $5,000 cash and a Stihl prize pack. The doubles teams will compete for the Silver Spades trophies as well as $2,500 cash and Stihl prize packs. Best 1st Year, Best 2nd Year, and Best Top Quality Fence prizes are up for grabs as well as spot prizes supplied by the sponsors.

The competition is proudly sponsored by Waikato Draught and Wiremark and supporting sponsors Stihl, Tru Test and Matamata Post and Rails.

Competition entry forms and more information are available from the Fieldays office. Call 07 843 4499 or visit www.fieldays.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media