‘Good dogs’ likely to make for a tight final

Guy Peacock and Slim work together to corral the sheep into the pen during yesterday’s action at the Show’s dog trials. Picture by Paul Rickard

The final run-off in the Spring Show dog trials championship this morning pitted five triallists from Gisborne and one from Wairoa up against nine visitors from outside the district, and a tight final was predicted.

The last five to make the run-off came out of the 70 runs through yesterday to complete qualifying.

They were Robyn Stephens and Libby from Te Kuiti with a score of 97 out of 100, Chris Redmond and Sue from Hawke’s Bay on 96.75, Bernard Arends and Tarn from Dannevirke 96.5 (his second finalist dog), Guy Peacock and Slim from Dannevirke 96.25, and Leo Jecentho and Zoig from the Waikato with a 97.  He also has two dogs in the final.

The top maiden competitor yesterday was Heather McGrannachan and Radar with a 92 point score.

The maiden final was to start at 8am and the open final at 9am today.

Joining the nine outsiders in that open final will be top qualifier Merv Utting and Bob, Henry Gaddum and Tau, Leo Edginton and Larry, Phil Cook and Jack, and Allen Irwin and Slug.

“The sheep worked well yesterday overall on what was a spectacular day weather-wise,” said head steward Allen Irwin.

“We had a few spectators through yesterday too which was really cool.”

Mr Irwin was expecting it to be a tight final.

“There’s some good dogs in there, that’s for sure.”