The annual Veterinary Centre calving competition is well under way....

With calving being the grittiest time of year for both farmers and vets, the calving cup helps bring some recognition for the hard yards put in at this time of year.  

Last year Luke Smyth was the Oamaru winner with Ryan Luckman taking it out in Waimate. Luke proved the point by also picking up a national trophy for most points in his year group from Massey and 3rd place overall in the Otago/Southland/Westland region. 

Oamaru  

Early leaders this year in Oamaru are sheep and beef extraordinaire, Dave Robertson making a point he can do everything with his clear lead followed by numbers man Prof Hamish Newton. 

Dave  robertson

Hamish  Newton

The best of the first, second and third year graduates is Bridgette Roulston, who has a real chance of bagging the Oamaru title.

Bridget Roulston

With several vets yet to have a weekend on call through the calving peak anything can happen on the leaderboard. 

The points system is as intricate There are assists (called out for help) which are worth 2 points. Extra’s are available for example if donning tidy attire or a smart hat and picking up a half point for best dressed.

Waimate 

Imports have stolen the show in Waimate with Scottish import Rory Dean, making up for poor Scottish representation in the recent Lions touring squad and currently leading the way.

Rookie first year grad Ryan “if I came across any more laid back I’d be upside down” Phillips is not far behind with last years’ winner Ryan Luckman back in 3rd.

Obviously Ryan Luckman is finding it harder this year to fit in senior rugby, the band, fatherhood, his rotary commitments and referring junior rugby tournaments in the weekend and still dominate the leaderboard in the calving cup. It looks like he is coming unstuck between hours 28 and 33 of each day.

Rory Dean

Ryan Phillips

Ryan Luckman

Some examples of the points scoring are - 

Twins - 1 point
Caesarean section - 3 points
Twisted uterus - 3 points
Called out to help (equivalent to the tackle assist) - 2 points to the help
Best dressed (photo required) - 1.5 points
 

Current Standings- Veterinary Centre Oamaru

Dave Robertson - 25 points
Hamish Newton - 18 points
Bridget Roulston - 17 points
Allyson Colgan - 15 points
George “Smith - 13 points
Andrew Muir - 13 points
 

Current Standings Veterinary Centre Waimate

Rory Dean - 28 points
Ryan Phillips - 21 points
Ryan  Luckman - 16 points

We’ll keep you updated with further developments, any photo’s from best dressed and of course the eventual winners.