In what was one of the closest finals to date, Jindabyne local and Burton rider Jye Kearney snatched his third Burton Cattleman’s Rail Jam title, edging past 14 of the country’s best snowboarders on Mt Buller’s famed Cattleman’s Stair Set.

As one of the veterans of the Cattleman’s field, Jye pocketed another $4000 cheque, sealing victory ahead of second placed Cameron Staveley and third place Cattleman’s rookie Tommi Ollikainen. Jye’s experience in the event certainly showed as he worked methodically through his session, landing virtually every combination of 270s on and off the rail, impressive gaps from the upper takeoff and hits from both the left and right top close-out rails. Jye always impresses the judges with his famously casual style, consistent makes, and solid creative use of the entire staircase.

“I feel like the old guy now – but Cattleman’s is always a fun time, and I was stoked to come away with another win” Jye said as he clutched another novelty cheque to add to the collection he keeps in his lounge room.

But Jye’s victory didn’t come easy. Cameron Staveley has improved his rail riding in leaps and bounds over the past few years, with a raw talent and technical ability rivaled by very few. Cam’s use of the whole stair set including the kink and both outer rails secured him second place and $2000.

One of the beauties of the open Cattleman’s qualifying format is the ability for little known riders to step up to the plate and prove themselves against Australia’s best riders. In his first season in Australia and first time to Mt Buller, Tommi Ollikainen known as “Finland Tommi” was awarded 3rd place with a creative display of spins in and out, stylish presses and technical switch riding. Tommi was also awarded the Mophie Best Trick with a frontside lip slide – gap to flat on the top closeout, a super high consequence maneuver never seen at Cattleman’s.

Old Burton friend ‘The Mooch’ kept the crowd entertained with his unique mash ups, playing from his specially designed Mini Countryman DJ booth.

With a bumper season already under way at Mt Buller, the Cattleman’s Rail Jam day kicked off with qualifiers on the Burton Cattleman’s Replica Stair Set in the Frank MBP Terrain Park. “Once again it’s great to see so many up and coming youngsters from all over Australia in the field” said Paul Colby, Burton Australian Marketing Manager. “New faces and old, the qualifiers really brings together a great bunch of people. It’s a grass roots event that gives everyone a chance to compete and prove themselves against some of the best riders in Australia”.

The day’s qualifying semi final was taken out by Cameron Staveley ($500), followed by Tim Laidlaw in second place ($300) and Falls Creek veteran Matt Galina in third ($200).

As in years past, the official after party presented by Skullcandy at the Kooroora Hotel did not disappoint. The Mooch took his mash ups to the next level in the Back Bar, and with help from Corona, the Cattleman’s after party remains one of the most talked about events on the Australian snow calendar.

Results

1st Place - $4000 - Jye Kearney
2nd Place - $2000 – Cameron Staveley
3rd Place - $1000 – Tommi Ollikainen
Best Trick – Mophie Prize Pack - Tommi Ollikainen