Gemmell is best-placed to challenge African might

Canterbury blades shearer Allen Gemmell is best-placed to challenge the African might in the ancient wool craft at the Golden Shears World Championships in Wales overnight by finishing fifth in the first round of qualifying today.

But it was not so good for more favoured teammate Brian Thomson, also from Canterbury, who, after finishing second in the Welsh All Nations Championship a day earlier, faces an uphill battle in the World event from 14th place going into the second round and final tomorrow.

Gemmell is from Loburn, and Thomson is based at West Melton.

The first round was headed as expected by All nations winner and South African Bangani Joel, followed by Lesotha shearers Sokesele Doba and three-times champion Zingisele Elliot Ntsombo, with second South African Mayenzeke Shweni in fourth place.

Kiwi machine shearing stars David Fagan, of Te Kuiti, and Cam Ferguson, of Waipawa, are going through the first round of their competition this morning, with Taihape schoolteacher Sheree Alabaster due to start her World woolhandling title defence soon afterwards, joined by Te Awamutu hope Keryn Herbert.