The hill country sheep dog trial season ended on a high note for several Wanganui centre trialists at the South Island and New Zealand championships held at Omarama, North Otago.

Seven centre trialists featured in the runoffs at Omarama, securing and retaining the Cyril Perry Shield with a total of 34 points - 15 points ahead of their nearest rivals. The Cyril Perry Shield is awarded to the top centre in the NZ championship runoffs.

Hamish Parkinson, a former Wanganui centre competitor now farming at Owhango in the King Country, realised a boyhood dream, winning the South Island and New Zealand zig-zag hunt titles.

Hamish is proving to be a chip off the old block - his father is triple NZ title-holder Bruce Parkinson from Raetihi.

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Tim Stevenson and Cruze from Ohingaiti won the NZ straight hunt title, Graham Wellington of the Parapara/Makirikiri club took out the South Island longhead with Murphy but, despite a three-point lead, was unable to nail the NZ longhead, placing third.

Troy MacDonald with Jude from Hunterville and Alex Matthews with Rex from Raetihi finished second and third respectively in the NZ zig-zag hunt. Dave Stuart and Gus from Ashhurst took fourth in the same event.

Not to be left out, centre president Paul Evans and Ritchie were fourth in the NZ longhead and Gavin Drake and Clyde from Hunterville were fifth in the NZ shorthead.

Congratulations to all who made the finals and commiserations to the also-rans. The New Zealand championships are at Whangara, Gisborne, next year.