Junior title goes to twin

Gerard Walsh | 26th October 2009

Sixteen-year-old twins Calla and Katina Matthews after round three of the APRA National Junior Finals on Friday night.

THE Matthews twins from Alton Downs starred in the Australian Professional Rodeo Association National Junior Finals at the Warwick Rodeo.

While Calla rose to the occasion on Friday night with the fastest barrel racing time, 17.88 seconds to win the round and the 2009 title, Katina also performed well with a time of 18.4 in round three.

After two second placings on Thursday night, Calla needed a fast time on Friday to secure her first title in her second national finals.

“I enjoy the speed of barrel racing but like it that I am still in control,” Calla said.

“The finals were awesome; we compete in front of such a great crowd.

“There is nothing I would like to do more than work with horses.”

Katina just loves the adrenalin rush of barrel racing.

The pair plan to compete in the United States one day. But in Australia, they just enjoy the friendship with their opponents.

“We might swap placings each week but are still great friends,” Calla said.

“I will be friends forever with (Warwick finalist) Bonnie Flood.”

Flood finished the finals with a time of 18.22 on Friday, her best of the three rounds, which gives her confidence for the future after competing in her first APRA finals.

After winning the first round of the junior steer ride on Thursday, Wangaratta rider Bryden Atkins scored 68 in round three to secure the overall title.

Cameron Milner won the round on Friday with 71.

Warwick State High School student Lachlan Slade scored 59, his third score in a consistent finals appearance.

Taroom cowboy James McGuire-Spalding was noticeably limping after scoring 66 in round three of the junior steer ride after going into the finals with a leg injury.

But like his grandfather, legendary cowboy Jim McGuire, injury didn't stop him winning the breakaway roping and all around titles at Warwick on Friday night.