Sheep settle down after a cool start on Day 2 of trials

A cool, calm and collected Charlie Newman guides his dog Finn in the dog trials at the A&P Spring Show.Picture by Paul Rickard

Another five combinations were found yesterday after two days of the Poverty Bay A & P Show sheep dog trial championship, in another good day’s competition at the back of the Showgrounds Park.

They are Bernard Arends and Parker from Dannevirke 97.5 points, Leo Jecentho and Zap from Waikato 97,  Rex Gratham and Crew 96 from Taumarunui, John Foss and Bindy 95.5 from Wairoa, and Howard Ingles and Rose 95 from Hawke’s Bay.

The top maiden competitor was M. Tipiwai-Chambers and Niggy who scored 91 points.

Another five finalists will be decided from the remainder of the 210 entry line-up today.

They will all join Tairāwhiti’s Merv Utting and Bob, Henry Gaddum and Tau, Leo Edginton and Larry, Phil Cook and Jack, and Allen Irwin and Slug in the final run-off from 9am tomorrow morning.

Head steward Allen Irwin said the day’s competition went pretty well.

“The sheep were a little freer in the early morning runs due to the cooler temperature, which affected the scoring.

“But once the sun got on them they settled down throughout the rest of the day and we saw some good work by the triallists.”

Mr Irwin said the locals were involved in the morning runs yesterday and then the visitors started to take their turn.

“It’s fair to say the better work was done yesterday by the visitors.”

Today’s runs will feature more triallists from outside the district.