The country’s best cowboys and cowgirls put on a show for the final night of the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association National Finals.
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In front of a packed AELEC the 2018 national champions were decided.
The calculators were required in some instances as the battle went down to the wire.
None more so than the breakaway roping where Jessica Norton claimed the title by a mere $7.95.
Tamworth’s Katina Matthews won the allround cowgirl and barrel racing, while Willow Tree cowboy, and birthday boy, Heath Nichols was crowned allround cowboy for the third time and won his eighth rope and tie title.
He was also just edged out by Ryley Gibb for the steer wrestling title and the team roping header by Matthew Mapp.
The last to run, Mapp and brother Stephen came out and clocked the fastest run of the round to hold off the challengers and win the header/heeler double.
Michelle Potter likewise had to produce the goods in her final run to secure the steer undecorating title.
Finishing the night, Cody Heffernan showed why he is the number one bullrider in the country with an 86 point ride.
He was the only cowboy to last the eight seconds, the only really to last beyond a few seconds, and cleanswept the spoils winning the round, the national title and the national finals champion buckle.
After finishing runner-up last year, Tamworth’s Ben Maytom finished on top in the saddlbronc while Dee Heinemann won his eighth bareback title despite not competing at the finals.
