Legend Wins His 10th Golden Pliers Fencing Title

18 June, 2007

Legendary farmer wins his tenth Golden Pliers national fencing title

Paul Van Beers from Central Hawke's Bay has been crowned the Golden Plier's national fencing champion. The now ten times Golden Pliers champion competed against seven of the country's top fencers to take out New Zealand's most prestigious fencing title.

"I had to speed the job up," said Paul.

"It is always a tough competition here at the Mystery Creek Fieldays, so I am extremely pleased to take away the Golden Pliers title," he said.

Paul added he believed it was a change of tact that made him victorious this year.

2007 Golden Pliers winner, Paul Van Beers

"I had to change my strategy this year as Owen, the past champion, always trumps me on quality so I had to speed the job up and it definitely paid off," said Paul.

Paul was also victorious in the doubles fencing final, winning the 2007 Silver Spades title with fencing partner Wayne Newdick - a fencing contractor based in Taumarunui.

Paul, who is a farmer at Te Mango Station in Central Hawke's Bay, credited his tenth win to wife Wendy who has supported him since he first entered the competition in 1985 - she even coached Paul on his wire tying prior to the competition.

Former Golden Pliers participant and judge for this year's competition, Rob Best, said this year's competition was a great display of workmanship from a highly talented pool of fencers.

"Congratulations to Paul, he had to work hard to take the title among this group of fencers. A fast time and a high quality fence meant Paul received the least demerit points in the field among a world class line-up," Rob said.

Rob believes that speed is important, however it is the quality that will make or break a title in this competition.

"Judges are clear that it is quality that they are looking for and as those who enter will testify, the judging is very tough, with it often taking a number of attempts before entrants come to grips with the precision required to make a final," he said.

Despite the cold weather, there was a large crowd gathered at the Wiremark tent, who are the principal sponsor of the competition, to cheer on the fencers.

"The support from the crowd was amazing - it is always a highlight of the day to see so many supportive faces. It also a great way to catch up with fellow fencers as we all work in a fairly isolated environment on rural farms and the competition is one chance to see each other," Paul said.

The competition has been an annual fixture at the Mystery Creek Fieldays since 1971 and is the only national singles fencing competition in New Zealand

Wiremark said it is proud to be a sponsor of the popular competition.

"The guys really showed why we have the best fencers in the world and they did the industry proud," said Wiremark brand manager Donna Mackay.

Wayne Newdick, who won the doubles with Paul, came second in the Golden Pliers, while former champion Owen Petersen came third.

The other finalists competing were as follows:

* Nigel Higgins, Ngatea, Hauraki Plains
* Gordon Hansen, Central Hawke's Bay
* John Steedman, Wanganui
* Owen Petersen, Owhango
* Wayne Newdick, Taumarunui
* Ken Channings, Mangamahu in Wanganui
* Nick Liefting, South Auckland

The winners were announced at a ceremony at the pavilion at the Mystery Creek Fieldays last Friday.

ENDS

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