Waihi-Waitara's 93rd sheep dog trial drew a good crowd.
The sheep and courses worked well giving all competitors a good chance to complete their runs. Wanganui's Lawerence Patterson, who is a frequent competitor at Taranaki trials, won both the heading events with his dog Ridge.
Steve Murphy of Whangamomona and his dog Savvy won the Zig Zag Hunt with 96 points and Jamie Shrubsall of Wanganui took out the Straight Hunt with his dog Stag with 97 points.
Leighton Bellringer from the Whangamomona Club judged both hunts, this was his first judging job and he handled the responsibility well. Leading heading dog at present is Steve Murphy with Sharp on 20 points and leading huntaway is Lloyd Duffy with Lord on 16 points.
The last Taranaki trial is to be held on April 20-21 at the Eltham-Takau Club Mangamingi with the North Island Championships May 7 at Te Aute, Hawke's Bay.
Open Results:
Event One (Longhead) 1st: L.Patterson Ridge 94.5, 2nd: K.Lobb Slim 94, 3rd: H.Ingles Lou 93.5, 4th: S.Murphy Sharp 93, 5th: L.Bishop Range 92.75. Event Two (Shorthead and Yard) 1st: L.Patterson Ridge 98, 2nd: L.Duffy Guv 97.5, 3rd: S.Whiteman Reign 97, 4th: B.Gower Hone 96.75, 5th: L.Bishop Range 96.5.Event Three (Zig Zag Hunt) 1st: S.Murphy Savvy 96, 2nd: J, Shrubsall Stag 94, 3rd: L.Duffy Lord 93.5, 4th: D.Murphy Strobe 93, 5th: J.Mullins Hana 92.5. Event Four (Straight Hunt)1st: J.Shrubsall Stag 97, 2nd: L.Duffy Lord 94.5, 3rd: J.McFarlane Rex 94, 4th: M.Duffy Shield 93.5, 5th: L.Duffy Dame 93.