Back to old school for rural contest

AuthorLisa Charmley
Published date08 November 2021
Publication titleBush Telegraph
With the Te Rehunga School closing in December 1952, it would have been nearly 70 years since a Lamb & Calf Day was held on the grounds.

A great turnout of lambs saw the senior lamb class for 9-13-year-olds swell to 13 lambs with 10 in the junior class for 5-8-year-olds. Competition was tough, as the junior leading got underway for the coveted Watts Cup, which was judged by Richard Thurston and Kevin White from Silver Fern Farms.

Riley Buddle took out first place with her lamb Rambo, Addison McKernon was in second place with her lamb April, and Jack Marshall in third place with Tiny.

Isla Caswill with her lamb Clover won the senior leading and the Galloway Cup, with Grace Morgans and her lamb Jack in second, and Shawn Dorreen-Jenkins and his lamb Phoenix in third place.

The spectators crowded closer as the infamous junior lamb calling took place. Memories of previous years’ escapees were clear in many faces in the crowd, but the lambs behaved.

The kids had really put the work in this year, with Demi Short and her lamb Daisy taking out first placing, Issac Albert with his lamb Christmas in second, Jack Marshall and Tiny in third.

The senior calling was hotly contested this year, with a “call-off” among the top six lambs. Will Hogan won with his lamb Fluffy, followed by Jade Johnstone with Clover in second, and Ivy Haye and her lamb Nui in third.

The finals champion, care and attention, with the PFK Shield at stake, was won by Charlotte Fleming with her lamb Bubby, and reserve champion went to Will Hogan and Fluffy.

Highly commended went to Tegan Castles with Marshmallow and Natalia Paterson with Biscuit. The best overall lamb and winner of the National Bank Trophy went to Charlotte Fleming with Bubby and reserve champion went to Will Hogan and Fluffy.

The calves had just 12 entrants again this year, still down on pre-m.Bovis levels, but showing a great level of commitment from students.

The calibre of calves was high, making judging for Ciaran Driscole from Alliance Group, Dannevirke, a difficult task. Simon Charteris from ASB Bank was on hand to supervise the animals entering the calf ring, to ensure they kept...

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