Tavern spokesman Mark O’Neill estimated a crowd of around 400 turned out for the event.

“The weather wasn’t too good in the morning and that probably kept a few people away, but otherwise it all went well,’’ Mr O’Neill said.

Twenty three axemen took part in the event including world champion Brad De Loza from Lithgow. Even though De Loza missed out on the major events – he broke his axe in the championship chop – he told Mr O’Neill said he indicted he’ll return in the future.

Many of the axemen had competed at Dorrigo and Bulahdelah the previous day.

having competed at Eastern Dorrigo and Buladelah just the day before.  And with a prize purse of over $5000 on offer it is no wonder the axemen came.

Young Walcha axemen Mitch Scrivener was the first big winner of the day taking out the $1000 underhand with Steve Reddish from Sydney winning the $1000 standing block.

Full results of the day were:

300mm underhand M Scrivener, B Kettle, C Owen.

300mm standing block S Reddish, D Howarth, B De Losa.

Standing block championship C Owen, B De Losa, K Laurie.

Veterans Standing Block J Barker, D Brown, C Kellett

Tree felling L Bryce, M Kellett, M Scrivener.

The day was also a fund raiser for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.