Rose Crellin-Christian and Hannah Moore made history as they stepped onto the world stage for the first time.
They competed at the Wool of New Zealand World Wool Handling Championship in Masterton.
In the opening round, each competitor worked against a strict 90‑second clock to skirt, sort, roll, and clean up after four fleeces, two Perendale and two crossbred long‑wool, under bright lights and close audience scrutiny.
Wool Handling Championships
Their scores will be combined with a second‑shear round, where the wool is shorter and cleaner but the time pressure intensifies, with only 30 seconds allowed per fleece.
Speaking to Lucy Cooper of Wairarapa Times-Age, Moore said she “got goosebumps” representing the island and described the experience as “invaluable,” adding that the pair were determined to take in every moment.
Both hope to bring elements of the Kiwi woolhandling style back to Manx woolsheds.
The historic woolhandling debut is part of a wider Manx effort at the World Championships and Golden Shears, where the island is fielding a full team: machine shearers Phillip Christian and Daniel Creer, woolhandlers Rose Crellin-Christian and Hannah Moore, manager James Radcliffe, and chief organiser Eleri Roberts.
