@papa-pepper take it from a kiwi - there's a better way to handle sheep for shearing ;-)
You need to spine-lock them so they sit relaxed when you are shearing them, and you can do it all standing up.
Check out some videos of the Golden Shears competition in NZ. You will get to see how kiwi shearers do it - and these guys are the best in the world at what they do.
I hope that helps. Looking forward to seeing your sheep in their new summer clothing ;-)