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Macca haggis hurling competition

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This week at Macquarie Island: 28 June 2013

The great haggis hurling competition took place in the station courtyard.

Hurling organisers decided to forego the wind assist rule and allowed the haggis-hurl to proceed, despite the gale force winds and driving snow pellets. The bucket of haggises was carried into the courtyard by Dean in full kiltish regalia, ably piped along by Billie, similarly attired. Assistant Tom was clad in a rather large sporran. Contestants mounted the mock half-barrel after selecting their haggis. Some accepted a wee dram of the fortifying kind before taking aim.

The skill of haggis hurling, or lack thereof, was evident in the examples of hook-hurl or shank-hurl. Luckily there was no example of behind-the-barrel-hurl. We even had an example of on-the-roof-hurl whereby a haggis ended up on Hass House roof.

The contestants were coerced, taunted, cajoled and intimidated by the trio of men in skirts. This good natured banter ensured optimal haggis hurling. It was a noisy affair with spirited calling out of the distance hurled, amid cheers of encouragement from the crowd.

Unofficial winner was Aaron - not in a kilt - who hurled a slightly undersized haggis across the courtyard almost into Garden Cove. Judges are withholding this result pending the appeal process.

Full environmental cleanup took place at the end of proceedings.