'Sheer scale and bulk' of interstate duo claims Max Smith champion pair

Top pairs and group honours were split between states on the first day of Merino Nationals in Dubbo.

The five judges were George Merriman, Merryville, Boorowa, for the superfines, James Ballinger, Waverly Downs, Delungra, in the fine ring, for the fine/mediums, Richard Beggs, Nareeb Nareeb, Nareeb, Victoria, in the medium ring, Alan Harris, Koole Vale, Costerfield, Vic, and Joe Dahlitz, Roemahkita, Cummins, South Australia, for the strong.

The Max Smith champion pair, which is awarded to August shorns, was won by interstate exhibitor Collinsville, Hallett, SA, for Collinsville 50178 and Collinsville 50026.

Judge George Merriman said it was the sheer scale and bulk of the pair that placed them above five other groups.

"I know they're a different type, first and second, but on balance, the top pair certainly outweigh the other pair," he said.

Bocoble, Eumungerie, was second with Mr Merriman noting the quality of the sheep and the purity of their wool. Mt Ascot, Mitchell, Queensland, was in third.

The success didn't end for Collinsville, who was also awarded first place in the March shorn, with ram Collinsville 50454 and ewe Collinsville 50466.

Ahead of 11 other groups, judge Joe Dahlitzsaid they were a terrific pair and noted their great length of shape and tremendous back end.

2024 winners Terrick West, Prairie, Vic, was sashed second, with Towonga, Peak Hill, in third.

Pair and group champions

Wanganella, Wanganella, took out the top honours, winning the coveted Elders pen of three class for two tooth and under, with Wanganella 20473, Wanganella 20462 and Wanganella 20469.

Beating eight other groups, judge Richard Beggs said the trio were a 'good breeders team' with superb depth and evenness of carcase.

He also admired the width and evenness of wool across the group.

The 2024 winners, Poll Boonoke, Conargo, was second with Towonga, Peak Hill, in third.

Mr Beggs said the Poll Boonoke group were a beautiful wool sheep, as were Towonga, but they missed the evenness of the top team.

In the Elders City of Dubbo group of five, Mt Ascot rose to the top with Jolly Jumbuck, Mitchell, Qld, in second.

Judge Alan Harris commended Mt Ascot's even team of sheep with very white and productive wool and good length of bone.