Competitors didn't beat around the bush as they battled it out in the annual Isle of Wight Hedgelaying Competition, which returned following a two year break

Little Duxmore Farm, Rowlands Lane, played host to the 28th event yesterday (Saturday), organised by the Isle of Wight Hedgerow Group.

This year saw 12 entries compete in the teams, novice and open classes - and they took things sheriously.

No cutting-hedge technology was used ­— just good ol' fashion hand tools to tidy up those patches looking a little rough around the hedges.

Isle of Wight County Press: Graham West - who came first in the open class. Pic from Pamela Parker.Graham West - who came first in the open class. Pic from Pamela Parker. (Image: Pamela Parker)

Isle of Wight County Press: Tod Carder who won in the novice class, alongside co-organiser Matt Chatfield. Pic from Pamela ParkerTod Carder who won in the novice class, alongside co-organiser Matt Chatfield. Pic from Pamela Parker (Image: Pamela Parker)

Returning for another year were Island regulars Tom Murphy and Kingsley Hollis, who went up against mainland competitors Matthew Beard and Graham West in the open category.

West took top spot, outscoring second-placed Beard by five points.

Isle of Wight County Press: Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust staff who came first in the teams class, alongside co-organiser Matt Chatfield. Pic by Pamela Parker.Hampshire and IW Wildlife Trust staff who came first in the teams class, alongside co-organiser Matt Chatfield. Pic by Pamela Parker. (Image: Pamela Parker)

Isle of Wight County Press: Tom Murphy who won best Isle of Wight competitor, alongside Matt Chatfield. Pic by Pamela Parker.Tom Murphy who won best Isle of Wight competitor, alongside Matt Chatfield. Pic by Pamela Parker. (Image: Pamela Parker)

He also claimed the award named after Peter Tunks — a former supreme national champion who died in 2019.

There was some consolation for Tom Murphy though, who took home the Best Isle of Wight Competitor award.

In the novice class, Tod Carder retained his title, beating Gwyn Alford by two points.

And of the six entries in the teams category, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust staff were triumphant — finishing just one point above the Isle of Wight Young Farmer’s Union.

RESULTS: Open class: Graham West 79, Matthew Beard 74, Tom Murphy 73, Kingsley Hollis 72; novice class: Tod Carder 71, Gwyn Alford 69; team class: HIWWT Staff 70, Isle of Wight Young Farmer's Union 69, HIWWT volunteers 67.