Kilts were flying, and whiskey was flowing in Hororata at the Highland games when Ashburton tradie and current Scottish heavyweight New Zealand champion Craig Manson fought for the title of Oceania Heavyweight Champion against Australian Terry Sparkes.

The event, on November 9 at the Hororata domain, is one the biggest of its kind in the Southern hemisphere and had crowds on the edge of their seats as Sparkes and Manson pushed themselves to the limit in the sweltering heat to clinch the title.

In a spectacular showdown at the Hororata Stones, the final event of the day, Sparkes managed to claim victory over Manson for the fourth consecutive year, leaving Manson in second place, an impressive achievement given the calibre of the competition.

"It was pretty tight up until the last event when he was only four points ahead of me,” Manson said.

"He had to perform well in the stones, and so did I, but he just edged me out, which is unfortunate, but I'm still happy with the results."

Manson has held the Australian and New Zealand heavy event champion titles, but the Oceania competition title has eluded him so far.

He is undeterred, though, and he is already planning his strategy for next year's competition.

"I know what I need to work on in all areas, but there were areas yesterday where I exceeded and other areas where I didn't do as well as I expected.

"It can be really up and down on the day, but overall, I just have to come in stronger and a bit more skilled throughout all the events."

This year's event, the 13th Hororata Highland Games, featured 230 volunteers, 700 competitors, 140 stallholders, 23 clans, and over 10,000 visitors.

Chieftain Richard Lang, who has been involved since the festival's inception, has described it as “world-class."

"The Hororata Highland Games is a festival like no other, fuelled by the passion of our volunteers.”

“This event embodies a true sense of community and purpose."

Lang said the event served as a foundation for the community to build its future.

Profits would be directed toward the Hororata Hall project and supported nineteen community groups involved in fundraising.

"The Hororata Community Trust is grateful for the support from our partners and suppliers who enable our community to stage the Games," he said.

The games were one of the few to feature a women's category.

Kelly Drummond, who won the Women's Championship, produced a record-breaking performance. Connor O'Brien secured the Men's Championship with a commendable mention for local competitor Ethan Burgess, who placed third in his debut in the heavy arena.

There was much more on offer than just the games for spectators.

Music added to the atmosphere. Scottish performer Willie McArthur led the crowd in a Celtic Sing-Along, and 19 bands, 497 pipers, and drummers participated in the Chieftains' welcoming ceremony.

There were market stalls, shearing demonstrations, vintage cars, whiskey tastings and an array of food, including Haggis burgers prepared by Greendale School.

"It was humbling to see the joy this event brings to our community," Lang said.

Next year's event will take place on Saturday November 8, 2025.

By Claire Inkson