Sun shines on woodchopping carnival

World champion axeman Jack Jordan was in impressive form when he competed in the Puhoi Woodchopping Carnival in the grounds of the Puhoi Hotel on January 14.

Starting with a 48 second handicap in the underhand event, he came home first to claim the coveted Puhoi Trophy.

But he didn’t have everything his own way.

Whangamomona’s up and coming junior Matt Gower went head-to-head with Jordan in the Standing Open event to snatch a win.

Puhoi Axemen Club president Mike Paddison said the carnival, which celebrated the club’s 60th anniversary, was a huge success, with great weather and a massive crowd.

Special events to mark the anniversary were run at midday. These included an Old Boys Chop featuring club veterans Dave Karam, Alan Harrier, Wayne Bolger and Mark Parker, and two teams’ races pitting the veterans against the juniors. While the juniors won the first race, the veterans proved they still had what it takes by winning the second race.

Jordan’s next major outing will be at the Stihl Timbersports in Palmerston North in March where he will be hoping to qualify for the World Championships.