Fagan still at top of game

David Fagan has successfully defended his national shearing title.

Fagan, who went into the event as the underdog, cleared 20 sheep in his quickest time so far of 13min 52.06sec at the annual Te Kuiti Muster and New Zealand Shearing Championships.

His work was also judged of the highest quality.

"By my standards I'd had a mediocre year," he said.

"It's a very satisfying win."

Fagan won $3000 cash, a $14,000 farm bike and the Bowen Trophy for the highest-ranked shearer in New Zealand for the past 12 months.

He has been selected for a Kiwi shearing team to compete against Scotland.

As part of the weekend's events, a flock of hill-country ewes was shepherded through the King Country town in an exercise billed the New Zealand Shears Running of the Sheep.

- NZPA