International success for local Axemen | Taranaki Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Taranaki

THREE local lads had plenty of reason to celebrate last week after beating the Australian Under 21 team in a tense third and final test in Melbourne, to take out the series.

Having won the first test earlier in the week, the second test went Australia’s way, however, a great effort from the kiwis who finished in a faster time than the first test.

The nine man relay team of three underhand cutters, three standing and three sawyers led from start to finish in the third test in front of a four thousand plus crowd at the Royal Melbourne Show last Thursday night.

For Jared, who cut the last underhand, and Tim, the last standing, the pressure was on, but the lads kept their cool, enabling the team to take the title from the Aussies that had been elusive for the last ten years.

Tim Jordan 20, Jared Bevins 19 and Brendon McBride 17, who were selected after trialling in Otaki earlier in the year, come from a successful chopping community in the Eastern Districts which has produced a number of NZ representatives in their sport. The boys would like to thank coaches Bruce Reichardt and John Gower for all their help.

During the eight days of chopping at the show with over 100 competitors mainly from Australia, the trio also had success in their individual events, achieving placings in some finals. This is achieved by first and second placings only in the heats going through to the semi finals and then again to the finals. This is quite an achievement as the boys are used to cutting softer wood, and have to use different axes than they would normally use in New Zealand to chop the Australian wood, which is harder and has more knots.

This is Tim’s last year after competing for three years in the Under 21 team. It is Jared’s second year and Brendon’s first. Both Jared and Brendon hope to be back representing their country again next year. They would like to thank manager Patrick Barrett, sponsors and families for helping them achieve their goals.