Show delivers final night thrills

The 140th Inverell Show has come and gone for another year with all who passed through the gates hailing the show as a great success.

Despite Equine Influenza taking all horse events out of the show program hundreds of competitors entered events ranging from Beaut Utes to Best Decorative Dahlia’s.
Crowds on both Friday and Saturday night were outstanding with particularly large crowds gathering on Saturday night to see the fireworks, demolition derby, State of Origin Rodeo and motorbike exhibition from Luke Holder and Nick Sutherland.
Show organisers were pleased with how understanding visitors to the show were about the lack of horses and many visitors noticed how friendly and relaxed the atmosphere at the show was.
The show was officially opened on Friday night with Georgina Marshall crowned as Miss Inverell Showgirl and Hannah Lennon coming runner-up, the State of Origin Bull Ride kicked off after the official opening with NSW emerging victorious after a tense competition spanning two nights.
NSW came away from the two nights of fierce competition with 106 points to Queensland’s 102 to take them to the next round of competition on a lead. Rodeo Steward Wayne Oakenfull said the competition was tight and kept the crowd enthralled over both nights. “NSW had an early lead on Friday night, but Queensland fought back for a really close result. “The real stars of the night were the bulls, they were incredible and there were no serious injuries which is always a plus in a dangerous sport.”
Jason O’Hearn from Cessnock won the Open Bull Ride with 89 points walking away with $2150 in prize money for his efforts. Nathan Beel came first in the Rookie Bull Ride with 83 points, Matthew Griffith took out the Open Steer Ride, with Troy Wilkinson winning the Junior Steer Ride. The kids were not forgotten in the Poddy Calf Ride with Cameron Jones coming first in the Under 7s, Olivia Adams taking out the Under 10s and Cody Hodges taking out the Under 13s ride.
The next round of the State of Origin Bull Ride will take place at Roma in Queensland on Easter Saturday with the finals .