Ka chunk! Season starts for axemen

The weather gods have been against all outdoor sports in recent weeks and none more so than the first wood chopping meeting of the Northland calendar, which was slated for October 13, at the Kauri Museum's Open Day.

The meeting was due to kick off at 10am but, with the rain getting progressively heavier, the decision was taken to postpone to Labour weekend Sunday.

It was the right call but, wouldn't you know it, the rain cleared up about 15 minutes after - a clear case of Murphy's Law at work.

Fast forward to Labour weekend Sunday and, although it wasn't barbecue weather, the sky was clear enough and the resolve of the competitors who had returned to Matakohe for a second week meant we pressed on with a successful meeting.

Betty Nelly and the team at the Kauri Museum are always great hosts and we wanted to put on the event.

First off the block was the standing event which was run in heat/semi/final format with axemen having to "man up" by cutting three blocks to be in the money. Local axeman Neville Alexander took out first place amid good-natured ribbing for being something of a burglar for doing so. Second place went to Jack Torrington of North Harbour and third to Bevan Gubb of Puhoi.

Underhand was the second event and, at a diameter of 14 inches, these blocks were bigger than normal which proved to be a solid early season test. Jack Torrington from North Harbour took out first place, Campbell Hastie also of North Harbour was second and Bevan Gubb from Puhoi once again took out third place.

Honours in the sawing went to father-and-daughter team John and Emma Sanderson.

Thanks must go to the entire team at the Kauri Museum, to Bruce Alexander for organising the event once again and to the competitors who travelled from around the region to compete.

Spectators can see more chopping action at the Whangarei A&P; show which will feature full competition on Saturday, kicking off at 10am.

Although there were once many, the Northland clubs are now limited to Opononi, Kauri Coast (based in Dargaville), Puhoi and North Harbour.

The coming summer's calendar has 11 meetings scheduled, with some still to be confirmed. Definitely going ahead are December 8, at the Whangarei A&P; Show; the traditional New Year event on January 1 at Opononi; January 12 at Puhoi Hotel; January 26 at Warkworth A&P; show; February 16 at Broadwood; and February 23 at Helensville A&P; show.

Opononi will be a big one this year as it is the 110th anniversary of that event. Puhoi had its 50th anniversary last January.