Sun shines on well-attended rodeo

Tate MacDonald competes in the Open Bareback competition at the Lawrence Rodeo on Saturday. Photo / Samuel White.

The crowds flocked to Lawrence to check out the annual rodeo and bask in the sun on Saturday.

Lawrence Rodeo Club publicity officer Murray Hellewell said about 1200 people attended, on one of the hottest days in weeks.

"It was great and there was plenty of trees there, so they could get the shade if they needed or they could do some sunbathing."

About 250 people competed in the rodeo events including rope and tie, bareback riding and bull riding.

There was also the novelty "Undie Run" held in the middle of the day as an interlude before the afternoon events.

The competition, in which competitors have to run an obstacle course in their underwear, has become a staple part of the rodeo since it was introduced three years ago.

Adam Coley, of Cromwell, placed first in the men's dash around the arena.

He also competed in the second division bull ride at the rodeo.

When asked how he performed in the bull ride, Coley said "not very well".

However placing first in the men's underwear run made up for it with a prize of $250. It was his first time at the Lawrence Rodeo but he had competed in other rodeos.

Joanna Harwood, of Dunedin, was second in the women's division and won $150.

She was more than happy with the money.

"I was stoked because I was pretty knackered."

Hellewell was also named the all-round Lawrence champion.

The top eight men and women rodeo competitors with the highest points from the rodeos on the national circuit will earn a spot in the finals.

The New Zealand Rodeo Cowboys Association circuit will continue on Waitangi Day with the Outram Rodeo.

Lawrence Rodeo Open Division results (winners only)

Rope and tie: Corey Church (Rotorua)
Bareback: John Hughes (Fairlie)
Team roping: Georgie and Nev Sarginson (Darfield)
Steer wrestling: Rex Church (Te Kuiti)
Saddle bronc: Wade Marshall (Invercargill)
Barrel race: Rhondine Long (Middlemarch)
Bull ride: Wade Marshall (Invercargill).