It’s the second last chance to earn points before the Champion of Champions is crowned at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in April.
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So woodchop competitors are flocking to Maitland Show on Saturday to try to bump up their score and improve their chances of taking out the top gong, which includes a special axe and trophy.
“Over the last 8 to 9 months they have been collecting points at the championship events,” Maitland Show woodchop coordinator Steven Kirk said.
This is one of the last couple of championships before the show, there is only one other one before the Royal Easter Show. This event could determine who will be named the Champion of Champions.
About 26 competitors from across NSW, and a couple from interstate, will take part in the competition on February 16 from 11am until 3pm.
There will be nine events:
- 450mm Double Handed Sawing Handicap
- Newcomers' Underhand
- 300mm Underhand Handicap
- 275mm Standing Block Handicap
- Two Board Tree Handicap
- 7250mm Vetrans Handicap
- Novice Handicap and two championships
- 500mm NSW Underhand Butcher 1s Block Championship
- 450mm NSW Double Handed Sawing Championship.
Defending champions Justin Beckett, of Congewai, and Mitchell Kirk, of Kurri Kurri, will return to compete in the double handed sawing and have their eyes set on taking out first place together for the second consecutive year.
Beckett won the double handed sawing world title with partner Noel Marsh, of Millfield, in Sydney last year.
Marsh will be at the show to cheer on Beckett and the other competitors but he won’t be picking up an axe.
He will have to enjoy the competition from the sideline because he is recovering from an injury.
Coordinator and competitor Steven Kirk, of Kurri Kurri, is also ready to compete again this year after overcoming an injury.
Steven has won the world title in the double handed sawing with Justin Becket seven times and is looking forward to competing in the event at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
When he had to step aside last year Marsh filled in and took out the world title with Beckett.
“I’m happy to be coming back this year,” Steven said.
"I’ve won it seven times, I’m going to try and win it eight times, Justin has won it eight times,” Steven said.
“I think we’ve got a good chance to be able to win it again.”
“I’m not in this one with Justin at Maitland because he went in it with my son Mitchell last year, and they won it, so they are going to try to win it again.”
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