Dogs have their day in Taupō

Poverty Bay triallist Merv Utting and Guy finish fifth in the shorthead at the North Island Championships last week. Picture by Donna Halley

The Poverty Bay Dog Trial Centre will have 10 competitors in action in the grand final of the season at the Tux South Island and New Zealand championships later this month.

The event will be hosted by the Warepa Collie Club, near Balclutha, from May 22 to May 29.

Many of the competitors will be based in Balclutha.

The Poverty Bay contingent will be taking 15 heading dogs and 18 huntaways with them.

Based on the successes achieved at last week’s North Island titles in Taupō, the local competitors look set to perform well.

It will be a strong line-up.

Last week at the North Island championships, Poverty Bay competitors Taylor Rika and Wag finished third with 193.50 points in the straight hunt, while Merv Utting and Bob  finished fourth on 191.00 points in the longhead, and Merv Utting and Guy finished fifth on 165.00 points in the shorthead.

Earlier in the week, Wairoa’s George Scragg and Chook brought home first place in the zig zag hunt.

Full results —

Longhead: Neil Evans (Omihi) and Smoke 194.50, 1; Bob Bruce (Te Aute) and Ruby 192.00, 2; Mark Copland (Methven) and Guy 191.50, 3; Merv Utting (Poverty Bay) and Bob 191.00, 4; Leo Jecentho (Karioi) and Tess 189.75, 5; Allan Smith (Putaruru/Tirau/Matamata) and Lad 188.00, 6; Graham Wellington and Rachel 186.50, 7.

Shorthead and yard: Leo Jecentho (Karioi) and Tess 191.00, 1; Neil Evans (Omihi)  and Lad 187.75, 2; Lindsay Schmidt (Takapau) and Jed 185.00, 3; Kevin O’Connor (Waikoau) and Jax 183.50, 4; Merv Utting (Poverty Bay) and Guy 165.00, 5; Mark Copland (Methven) and Don 161.25, 6; Greg Metherell (Waitaki) and Note 155.75, 7.

Zig zag hunt: David Scragg (Wairoa) and Chook 193.50, 1; Hamish Parkinson (Kaitieke) and Gritt 192.75, 2; Craig Pearson (Tuakau) and Wilma 192.25, 3; Leo Edginton (Tolaga Bay) and Robert 192.00, 4; Greg Anderson (Te Anga) and Gus 191.50, 5; Brad McHardy (Waingake) and June  187.00, 6; George Sheild (Tolaga Bay) and Smoke 176.25, 7.

Straight hunt: Liam Park (Tokarima) and Ollie 195.50, 1; Jessee Kereopa (Moawhango) and Dougie 194.50, 2; Taylor Rika (Whatatutu) and Wag 193.50, 3; Josh Brennan (Ruahine-Rangiwahia) and Rock 193.25, 4; Tom Manson (Mohaka) and Chief 193.00, 5; Steph Tweed (Waikari) and Fault 192.75, 6; Trevor Rumball (Taumarunui) and Cooper 190.50, 7.