IT was nowhere near the record of 1820 grams set by Rod Leadbetter in 2002, but weighing in at 988 grams, Wayne Elliott’s “big red” bagged the Vince and Olga Donoghue Shield for biggest tomato at the 35th annual National Tomato Contest on Sunday.
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Growing conditions in his home town of Barraba must have been better than Gunnedah, with previous champion Ron Fuller and Mel Eveleigh unable to produce a decent crop this year.
Tamworth grower Peter Travassaros bagged second place with a tomato weighing 952 grams.
Steeped in tradition, the National Tomato Contest started out in 1980 as a bragging match and has morphed into a popular annual event hosted by Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club.
President Ian Horwood welcomed locals and visitors to the club and thanked the many sponsors who back up year after year with prizes, especially JA Berry Home Timber and Hardware.
The open sections are sponsored by JA Berry Home Timber and Hardware, which provides gardening products as prizes every year.
“It is hard to believe that this contest is still going 35 years after it started here,” he said.
“It has obviously been a difficult year for tomatoes and we thank the many people who have entered.”
Some of the many keen tomato growers who supported the competition over the years are remembered on memorial trophies, including the late Col Sweeney (three biggest tomatoes) who was one of the main instigators of the annual competition back in 1980 when he challenged another grower over a beer to see who could grow the biggest tomato.
Regular competitors, the late Keith Burke and Terry Cole, are also remembered with memorial trophies, with Mary Radoll bagging the Tom Lawrence Memorial Shield for novice exhibitor, and Rachel Jones adding the Terry Cole Memorial Trophy to her collection for three best tomatoes.
The Keith Burke Memorial for heaviest single truss went to Warren Ryan (1020 grams) ahead of Neville Turner (760 grams).
Brent Larkham returned to entertain the crowd with a great afternoon of country, while the annual talent quest was also a crowd pleaser.
With local Namoi Gold olive products and Gemini Lavender on display and a stall hosted by the Gunnedah Hospital Auxiliary, there was something for everyone, while the barbecue was also popular for lunch.
Other results from National Tomato Day:
Three best tomatoes: Rachel Jones 1, Betty Crocker 2.
Best looking tomato: Ruth Payne 1, Rachel Jones 2.
Widest tomato: John Crowe 1, G. Schaudin 2.
Oddest shape: Rachel Jones 1 and 2.
Tastiest tomato: G. Schaudin.
Section 2:
Three apple cucumbers: Frank Simpson 1, Rachel Jones 2. Long green cucumber: Mary Radoll 1, Wayne Elliott 2.
Tomato jam: Julia Withers 1, Mary Radoll 2. Tomato relish: Fred Pryor 1, Rachel Jones 2. Tomato pickles: Mary Radoll 1, Rachel Jones 2. Tomato sauce: Rachel Jones 1, Mary Radoll 2.
Biggest onion: Rachel Jones. Three biggest onions: Rachel Jones. Biggest vegetable: Shane Boyer (16kg watermelon).
Home brew:
New: Kevin Wilkinson 1, Steve Lord 2. Old: Steve Lord 1.
Ginger beer: Steve Lord 1
and 2.
