After missing out last year when the annual event was cancelled due to the equine influenza outbreak, this year’s competition at the Nowra Showground on Saturday was set to be bigger and better than ever.

And come Saturday morning, which dawned fine and worked into a hot day come lunch time officials were looking forward to bumper crowds.

But the rodeo gods again worked against the local association when a wild thunderstorm descended on the Shoalhaven by mid afternoon.

Despite the rain a crowd of more than 1000 spectators lined the arena proving the sport’s popularity in Nowra.

The crowd was not disappointed as the cowboys and cowgirls put on a great show.

Spectators were treated to some great action in the junior steer ride, the steer undecorating, team roping, rope and tie, barrel racing and the opening two rounds of the novice ride.

Local rider Garry Maguire from Lake Conjola was the only local to take a prize home, coming fourth with partner Tim Clarke in the team roping event.

The program was halfway through before the heavens opened up and the final two hours of competition had to be cancelled.

“We had most of our local riders in the cancelled events so it was a shame they couldn’t get a run because of the rain,” rodeo association secretary Julie Weymouth said.

“All the competitors had a good time and the crowd was content despite the rain.”

Spectators were treated to an unexpected round-up when a bull escaped the arena. After bucking off its novice rider the bull lifted the fence and made a run for it.

“I think the bull was quite happy with himself,” Ms Weymouth said.

Two pick-up riders and a couple of rodeo clowns released some steers and then herded the bull back into the arena.

“It took just under 10 minutes to get him back into the arena and while it was a drama the crowd really enjoyed the show. We couldn’t have planned it better,” Ms Weymouth said.