By Melissa Coleman
Warwick’s own Mitch Eastwell won the Rope and Tie Aggregate event with an average 20.3 on two head.
The local favourite came up against a record number of entries in the roping events at the Warwick Rodeo this year.
Eastwell said it always feels good to win, but to win at home feels even better.
“Competing in your hometown arena with friends and family to cheer you on is always a great feeling,” he said.
Eastwell’s past successes proved to be an indicator of his current performance.
“I trained every minute I could, after work and on weekends.”
The APRA National finals commence in two weeks’ time at Gracemere with the top 15 competitors going head-to-head for four rounds.
The winner will be crowned Australian champion for 2022.
Eastwell said Warwick attracts the best competitors in Australia.
“For a competitor to make it to the final on Sunday is a pretty big achievement, the competition was fierce,” Eastwell said.
This year the feature Ariat Saddle Bronc ride, with a cash pool of over $12 000, was won by St George cowboy Cameron Southern.
Riders from all over the the country vied for the glory of the win.
