Dice just too good for rival to catch

Murray Child with Dice, in action at the Tux Yarding Challenge in Kaitaia. Photo / Heather Easterbrook

In a very close finish, former national champion Murray Child and Dice just held off Chris Robertson's Street by 0.25 points, in the run-offs at the Kaitaia leg of the Tux Yarding Challenge.

The end result meant the pair have qualified to represent the province in the Tux national finals in Taupo next month, much to the local shepherds' delight at the conclusion of the two-day event.

Once again, local triallist and commentator Merv Cameron was there competing - without his usual success, it must be said - and providing his typical expert and insightful commentary on proceedings. He began by congratulating the first two placegetters.

"Dice always gives her very best and nobody tries harder than Murray Child to strive for perfection. However, this time Chris Robertson and Street really gave their all and only a blemish at the yard was enough to lose top place," he said of the event, held in extremely warm and humid conditions at the Kaitaia A&P Showgrounds on the weekend.

"Chris has only been trialling for five years and has now become very competitive in the sport. His dog Street has made huge improvement and Chris can be very confident, going into future trials."

Graeme Northcott from Taranaki was the leading visitor but, once again, only just missed on qualifying for the national final, Cameron reported. "This is what has happened at the preceding events with Graeme - the prize has been so close each time but just out of reach. Local Colin Jay with his old faithful Blaze was the top qualifier on day one, but found the sheep in the final just a bit too testing and only just missed a place. But theirs was a great effort, all the same."

In the maiden section, Ohaeawai competitor Shane Munford with Rose was first, clearly holding off young Erin Ball with Speed from Maungatoroto. The Tux Handy Dog (huntaway) event was won by Bob Campbell from Te Raite with Punch.

"This event saw some new entrants having a go and with the keenness shown they will be back next year," Cameron said, adding the entries overall were outstanding for the Kaitaia event this year, with 128 dogs competing over the two days.

"This is by far the biggest entry number in the 14 years the Tux contest has been going," he said, noting the only centre not represented from the North Island was the Gisborne area. On behalf of the Mangonui Sheepdog Trial Club, Cameron was most grateful for the sheep from Dennis O'Callaghan, the cartage by a local transport company, and the assistance and sponsorship from various others.

Tux Open Final: (Judge Chris Baker from Pio Pio) M Child and Dice 98, 1 C Robertson and Street 97.75, 2; G Northcott and Dick 95.75, 3; M Child and May 96.6, 4; B Berger and Glide 95.25, 5.

Maiden: S Munford with Rose 90.5, 1; E Ball with Speed 80.5, 2.

Local Handy Dog: B Campbell with Punch 1, S McRae with Bob 2, L Jecentho with Storm 3, G Smith with Ed 4, and B Strong with Bella 5.