Transtasman battle looms for kiwi axemen

The New Zealand veteran axemen's team will be competing in three test series this weekend. Photo: Supplied

Kiwi axemen are preparing to battle their transtasman rivals in a three-test series starting on Friday.

Axes, saws and a whole lot of muscle power will be on display in the veteran axemen's contest.

The test series will be held over three days starting at 6pm on Friday, March 2, in the Northern Tavern car park in Invercargill. The action will continue the following day from 10am at the Southland A&P Show at Donovan Park and wraps up on Sunday, March 4, at the Colac Bay Tavern.

Templeton said the New Zealand veteran axemen's team of nine competitors (aged 60 or over) included four Southlanders - Rangi Bowen, Wayne Corbin, Brian Gutsell and Nelson List.

''Rangi is a great team cutter. Brian is cutting very strong and will be given a sawing position. Nelson can saw and chop for the team [and] carries a wealth of knowledge, and Wayne will be single sawing.''

The Australian team will feature the great David Foster, who has more world titles than any axeman competitor.

''Not only a great axeman, he is a great ambassador to the sport,'' Mr Templeton said.
Many more good axemen from both countries would be competing in the open events, he said.