Gilbert family set Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships alight

The Gilbert boys have written themselves into the history books by winning three separate divisions at the Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships over the weekend, continuing a strong history for the Tully-based family.

In only his third year of competing, 18-year-old Stuart took out the Queensland Sugar Limited Under 35 Years division. His time of 10:06.25 to cut 60 metres of cane was enough to hold off uncle Adam Gilbert (11:34.41) and Burdekin local Chris Vass (11:48.92).

Whilst all three men secured a spot in the Queensland Sugar Limited Australian Hand Cane Cutting Championships Final, it was ultimately Adam who had the last laugh, winning the 100-metre marathon in a time of 18:46:41 ahead of third-placed Stuart (21:31.21).

In the last competition of the day and with big crowds cheering them on, Scott, Adam, Stuart and Angus Gilbert rounded out the trifecta by winning the Swindley Memorial Cut, Top and Load competition in 11:34.88.

Youngster Angus (17) also competed in the Under 35 Years competition and was joined by patriarch Paul in the Cut, Top and Load.