Any doubt Aotea's Speed Shear on Friday February 2 would not be supported quickly disappeared as entry lists quickly filled up and the crowd began entering to get the best positions about 6.30pm.
Organiser Teena Todd was relieved that this fundraiser for Aotea Rugby's upgraded club rooms was going to be a success after a year's layoff.
Sponsorship was sufficient to supply prizes for three grades — Senior, Open and Women — with the latter competition the first of its kind anywhere in the world, according to commentator Koro Mullins.
![16-year old Bailey Johnson waits to grab the shorn lamb from Jeane Pierre.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/SHLI73Z7JARAZ6T63HNIADVZRQ.jpg?auth=aae6b517b2fb1a6d4d2366ef744507acf302586ca2336db8359e16efcbef4ceb&width=16&height=25&quality=70&smart=true)
There were 28 entries in the Senior grade, with some of the juniors keen to participate. There were seven women contestants and 14 in the Open Grade.