Third in national fleece judging

A 22-year-old Killcare resident has finished third in the Australian National Merino Fleece Judging Competition at the Royal Hobart Show recently.

Mr Stuart Miles first competed in wool judging competitions in Castle Hill where he became the Sydney Metropolitan Champion.

This earned him the right to compete in the State Championships that were held at this year's Sydney Royal Easter Show.

After competing in only his second wool judging competition, Mr Miles won, making him the NSW State Champion.

The long wait from April to the national competition in Hobart late last month was worth it for the 22-year-old.

With six competitors representing each state, Mr Miles placed third after Queensland in second and Western Australia in first place.

All competitors were asked to judge eight fleeces, including four fine and four micro-fine fleeces, based on integrity, strength and yield.

Mr Miles works for Schute Bell at the Wool Auctions of Australia in Yennora as a cadet wool classer.

His employer Mr John Gray was also in Hobart to support his young employee.

Mr Gray said he had high accolades for Mr Mile's achievements and his skills as a wool classer.

Mr Miles was also surrounded by family who were thrilled to have a national finalist competing including his fiance Mellissa, son Blaine, auntie Jane and cousin Rianne.

"It was a very proud moment when Stuart was awarded third place in the National Competition," Ms Jane Miles said.

Online submission, 11 Nov 2009 Jane Miles, Killcare