Kiwi chain gang saw lead chopped

Masterton axeman Grant Fawcett came fifth equal in the Eurojack competition in Austria last weekend in front of a crowd of 10,000.

Fawcett had been asked by the organisers to bring over a Kiwi team which would represent his business, Tuatahi Racing Axes and Saws.

Partnering him were Troy Bellamy of Stratford and Pat Barrett of Otaki and the trio were among 44 competitors drawn from across Europe to take part in a qualifying event, aimed at finding nine more finalists to join the 10 who had already won through from a previous contest.

And Fawcett, Bellamy and Barrett dominated the action in that event, all finishing in the top four and progressing to the championship series.

The final consisted of six events including that involving chainsaws, the techniques for which had to be learned by the Kiwis before they headed overseas.

Fawcett started brilliantly and led the competition after the first four events, his best effort being a win in the axe throwing. Barrett and Bellamy were also up with the pace at that stage with Barrett, in particular, starring in the chopping.

In the finish, however, it was German Robert Ebner who took the spoils with Bellamy just two points adrift in second place and Fawcett and Barrett tying for fifth with the Czech Republic champion.

A teams race was then held with Tuatahi New Zealand up against the best from Europe and the Kiwis triumphed.

Fawcett paid tribute to Owen Martin of the Stihl Shop in Greytown who supplied racing chainsaws for the New Zealand trio. Team members are planning to stage chainsaw races at shows throughout the country next season.