That's got to hurt | Northern Rivers News | Local News in Northern Rivers

29th December 2008

SCREAMING HALT: Christopher Williamson, of Glen Innes, gets tossed to the ground. PHOTO: ADAM HOURIGAN.

THE setting sun is slowly swallowed by the ever present rain clouds behind the Maclean Showground as the glistening Clarence River continues its path down and out to the ocean.

The smells and noises of farm life greet the quickly building crowd as parents stake their spots with blankets and chairs, while children run and play between Akubra-donned men and women.

An idyllic Saturday night in the Clarence Valley, except for the large ring where madness and fury will combine for the evening's entertainment.

For 27 years the annual Maclean Twilight Rodeo has gathered the country's best cowboys and cowgirls who wow the audience with their skills and bravery.

This year's event kicked off long before any paying customer approached the gate.

"We had to start the program at 1pm," rodeo president Bruce Green said.

"If we hadn't we would have been going until one in the morning."

The rodeo may have started early for the competitors but the real action began as the large crowd of about 5000 people began to make their way into the showground.

"It was equal to the best crowd we have ever had," a happy Mr Green said.

Events such as the steer wrestling, barrel racing and bucking broncos had the audience clapping and cheering.

However, it was the pure carnage of the bull riding which had them on the edge of their seats.

Brave cowboys line up for the chance to ride one of these ferocious animals, a ride which ends in triumph or tragedy in the blink of an eye.

For eight seconds the rider clings to the enraged beast which flicks and twists its body with more power and ferocity than one can possibly imagine.

More than not, the riders do not last the distance and tumble heavily to the ground as club-like hooves bash and spear the ground around them.

Some unfortunate riders get their hands and feet caught in the riding gear and are stuck to the mammoth bulls as they try their brutally hardest to be rid of their unwanted guests.

"There were a few pulled muscles but everything was alright," Mr Green said.

When the dust settled and the heavens finally opened up, it is Matt Sharman who takes the honour and applause as this year's bull riding conqueror.

"It's a bobby dazzler of an event," Mr Green said.

"The rain held off just before the end ... but it didn't dampen anybody's enthusiasm."

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