The 2024/2025 PGG Wrightson/Vetmed National Shearing Circuit continued its thrilling journey with the second round at the Waimate Spring Shears, where competitors took on the challenge of shearing strong wool ewes. 

Leon Samuels of Roxburgh emerged as the standout performer, claiming the top points for the round. Hot on his heels were Nathan Stratford in second, Casey Bailey in third, followed by former World Champion Gavin Mutch in fourth, Jack Fagan in fifth, and seasoned competitor John Kirkpatrick rounding out the top six.

With two rounds now complete, the updated standings for the circuit show a shake-up in the leaderboard:

1. Nathan Stratford  (Invercargill) – 21 points
2. Jack Fagan (Te Kuiti) – 19 points
3. Stacey Te Huia (Mossburn)  and Leon Samuels (Roxburgh) – 13 points (tied)
4. Paerata Abraham (Masterton) and Casey Bailey (Riverton) – 11 points (tied)

Nathan Stratford, the three-time champion and current title holder, has reclaimed the top spot in the circuit standings. His consistent performances in the first two rounds position him as the one to beat as the series progresses.

Next up, the competition heads to Christchurch for the NZ Corriedale Shearing and Woolhandling Championships on the 14th and 15th of November. With plenty of points still up for grabs, the race for the coveted Golden Shears final is still anyone’s game!

Provisional points for the National Shearing Circuit after the second round:

1. Nathan Stratford (Invercargill) - 21 points 
2. Jack Fagan (Te Kuiti) - 19 points
3= Stacey Te Huia (Mossburn) – 13 points
3= Leon Samuels (Roxburgh)  - 13 points 
5= Paerata Abraham (Masterton) – 11 points
5= Casey Bailey (Riverton) - 11 points 
7= Axle Reid (Taihape) - 10 points 
7= Hemi Braddick (Eketahuna) - 10 points
7= Gavin Mutch (Scotland/Dannevirke) - 10 points 
10= Alex Smith (Rakaia) - 8 points
10= Justn Meikle (Oamaru) - 8 points
10= John Kirkpatrick (Pakipaki) - 8 points
13= Paul Robertson (Australia) - 6 points
13= Angus Moore (Ward/Seddon) – 6 points
15= Dion Morrell (Alexandra) – 4 points
15= Brett Roberts (Mataura) – 4 points
17. Paraki Puna (Napier) – 3 Points

18= on 2 points:
Colin Dennison (Omarama), Lionel Taumata (Taumarunui/Gore), Hugh De Lacy (Rangiora), Corey Palmer (Dipton), Taare Edwards (Ashburton), Thomas Lambert (Christchurch), Floyd Neil (Taumarunui), Beau Guelfi (Gisborne), Llyr Jones (Wales), Kyle Mita (Masterton), Josh Winders (Invercargill), Ringakaha Paewai (Gore).

On 1 point:
Catherine Mullolly (Matawai), James Fagan (Te Kuiti), Paul Hodges (Geraldine), James Ruki (Te Kuiti), Norm Harraway (Mossburn), Chris Dickson (Raetihi/Masterton), Kevahan Stringer (Ranfurly).