The only Tasmanian in a field of eight, Beams set a new Australian record in the underhand chop to claim 21 points from a possible 24 and oust Queensland’s Renee Retschlag by one point.

Speaking from Melbourne’s Albert Park after the win, Beams said she was thrilled to be the first ever women’s winner.

“It’s a dream come true to win the title, but I can’t explain the joy to win it for the very first time,” Beams said. 

“Having women recognised in Timbersports is exciting for all the competitors involved and we can only hope that more great talent is attracted to the sport.”

Tasmanians enjoyed plenty of success at the three-day event, with Deloraine’s Daniel Gurr edging out Sheffield’s Josh Bakes to clinch the rookie event.

After a tense four-round competition Gurr and Bakes finished level on 34 points, sending the competition to a stock saw showdown.

Gurr then recorded a time of 12.70 seconds to win the title of rookie champion.

Beams brothers Daniel and Zach found life difficult in the rookie competition, finishing at the bottom of the table with Gurr’s brother Luke.

Matt Gurr and Dale Beams also found going tough in the men’s competition, with Gurr finishing seventh overall and Beams coming seventh in his pool of eight.

The first major Tasmanian woodchopping meet will take place at the Launceston Show across three days.

Two championship sawing events (375 mm single-handed and 450mm double-handed sawing) will headline Thursday’s program along with the 300mm tree felling handicap in the main arena.

Australian timbersports rookie champion Daniel Gurr, of Deloraine, and Gowrie Park axeman Josh Bakes will continue their rivalry with their main opposition is likely to come from Gurr’s father Matthew, reigning state champion Kody Steers and former world champions Dale Beams (Winkleigh) and Stephen Foster (Devonport).

Friday will see the Launceston Show 300m standing hard-hitting championship and the chainsaw championship decided, while Saturday’s main events include the inter-association teams relay race, the show 325mm underhand championship and the prestigious Dudley Eaves Memorial 375mm single-handed sawing handicap.

Reigning champions the North-West are favourites to go back-to-back in the teams race, which includes two underhand chops, two standing block chops and a single-handed and double-handed sawing leg.

More than 150 entries have been received, pleasing Northern Tasmanian Axemen’s Association secretary Amanda Beams.

“We’ve got great numbers this weekend, which is a bonus so early in the season,” Beams said. Thursday’s eight-event program (heats and finals) and Friday’s run sheet will both start at 10am, while Saturday’s 12-event gala will commence at 9.30am.