Sports and Competition Sports and Competition
Mon, December 9, 2024

Shearing: King Country's Digger Balme, 60, wins open final at Rotorua A and P Show


Published on 2024-12-09 16:25:16 - The New Zealand Herald
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  • Age ain't doing nothing to slow down veteran competition shearer, commentator and sometimes judge Digger Balme. Balme, who quietly turned 60 on October 30, claimed his first win of a new decade, in a 20-sheep open final at the Rotorua A and P Show Geyserland Agrodome Shears on Saturday.

Digger Balme, a 60-year-old shearer from King Country, won the open final at the Rotorua A&P Show, showcasing his enduring skill in the shearing competition. Despite his age, Balme outperformed younger competitors, finishing his final run in 17 minutes and 59.74 seconds, shearing 20 sheep with a total of 59.74 points. His victory was particularly notable as he had not competed in the Rotorua event for 15 years, highlighting his comeback and continued prowess in the sport. Balme's win adds to his storied career, which includes multiple championships and a reputation for mentoring younger shearers.

Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/the-country/news/shearing-king-countrys-digger-balme-60-wins-open-final-at-rotorua-a-and-p-show/7E7QQOQBPNAO5G2GTRZANGGGX4/ ]
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