Warwick rider stars in richest rodeo in the APRA

TWO wins for star roper from the Southern Downs.

Mitch Eastwell's reputation as a top roper has been boosted at the Mt Isa Rodeo. Picture: Gerard Walsh

RODEO: Warwick cowboy Mitch Eastwell has won the rope and tie at the Mt Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo.

The win will ensure he is one of the 15 qualifiers for the October 24-28 Warwick Rodeo APRA National Finals at the Warwick Showgrounds.

Eastwell capped off an even bigger weekend when he won the international challenge from a rider from North America.

The winners of each open event at Mt Isa went up against a competitor from North America on the final day of the rodeo.

The rodeo went from Thursday to Sunday at the Buchanan Park rodeo complex.

Eastwell won round 1 of the national finals last year before his brother Brock won the average with four catches in the fastest time over four rounds.

There was more success for Warwick riders in roping when Jeff Miller and Alan Woodley won the over 55 years team roping.

Jeff combined with son Kobe Miller to finish third in open team roping behind winners, Queensland pair Campbell Hodson and Liam Davison.

Proserpine cowboy Roy Dunn won the bull ride but suffered an injury and missed the international challenge in which fellow Australian Sam Woodall was the winner.

Walcha cowboy Carl Green won the saddle bronc ride and backed up to win the international challenge.

Wandoan bareback bronc rider David Worsfold gave Queensland two win in three open rough stock events. Chase Erickson from North America won the international challenge in the bareback.

Scone competitor Heath Nichols won the steer wrestling but went down to Scott Kleeman in the international challenge.

Lockington (Victoria) rider Cherie O'Donoghue has won the most titles among APRA cowgirls and won both the Mt Isa Rodeo breakaway roping and international challenge.

Moree cowgirl Wendy Caban won the barrel race. American competitor Kristy Lee Cook won the international challenge.