At the time of this edition going to print, a number of Northland's top sheepdogs and their handlers were getting their North Island Championship campaigns under way in Taumaranui.
The qualification points required to represent at this event were acquired over the 12 events making up the 2014 Northland Centre circuit which was finally wrapped at Molesworth on April 26 and 27. The trials enjoyed a particularly good turnout as this was the last chance for outsiders to gain some all important qualifying points to make the North Island titles as well as national champs being held in Geraldine later in the month.
The undisputed pairing to standout at Molesworth were Leo Jecentho and Cap in winning the long head with a mid-morning run on the first day (Friday). To boot, local commentator Merv Cameron noted this was Cap's third victory in a row, adding to the two previous titles won at the Broadwood and Mt Manaia trials.
"This is quite a feat in itself and must give the combination a boost heading to the North Islands. Cap is proving to be a wonderful long head specialist and Leo is able to place him to perfection on both the outrun and in his pulling," said Cameron, noting Cap was runner-up when the North Island Champs were held at Ohaeawai previously so "all will be hoping he can go one better this time".
And, for having travelled further than anyone else to get to various trials around the upper North Island this year, Cameron said the win was a fitting finale to Jecentho's domestic campaign.
Owen Finlayson's reliable Lady held off local Duncan Gilligan's Tim in the last run of the day in the short head and yard. Over in the hunts, Waikato entrants gained the top spots in the zig zag while Dargaville's Rhys Dacker with Kate took out the straight hunt.
The Molesworth trial enjoyed entrants from Gisborne, Turangi and others from a large area of the Waikato, boosting entries in the heading events to 85 runs, the highest in the centre for a while, whilst the two hunts registered 36.
Meanwhile, Cameron said several clubs are considering opting for one day trials next season due to suffering too small turnouts on the first day; usually being a Friday/ working day.
Looking back over the past season, Cameron gave a heartfelt thanks - on behalf of all involved with this year's circuit - to the landowners and those who provided sheep to work - "Whether they [sheep] were lively or quiet we could not have trials without them" - as well as those who worked behind the scenes ensuring each event's overall success.
Top performersFinal standings from the 12 legs of the Northland Sheepdog Trial Club 2014 season were as follows (with 5 qualifying points required to compete in the North Island champs, and 6 needed to compete at the national championships in Geraldine from May 26).
HUNTS: Murray Child and Frank 44, M Child and Jimmy 43, T Comins and Shelley 30, G West and Code 22, R Dackers and Kate 20, N Child and Reign, L Jecentho and Storm, C Thomson and Rebel 14, J Nelley and Buster, S McRae and Toby 10, S Osborne and Jess 8, K Whittaker and Tim 6, C Lugtigheid and Tim 6, C Lugtigheid and Tara 5, A Nisbet and Jane 5, C Jay and Dawn 3, R Jordan and Tone 3, R Dackers and Raine 3, B Wilson and Sonny 2, K Sturge and Fern 1, C Harvey and Pain 1. Automatic qualification centre champs: K Sturge Fern. Total dogs with points 22.
HEADING: M Child with Dice 45, A Nisbet with Maggie, O Finlayson and Lady 30, L Jecentho and Cap 24, O Finlayson and Cap 17, A Nisbet and Dawn 16, M Child and Ace, S Haynes and Doc, I McKinnon and Tess, C Thomson and Dan 12, M Cameron and Clyde 10, M Child and May 10, D Gilligan and Tim 10, L Jecentho and Fly 9, S McRae and Skeata 9, N Child and Hawke, S McRae and Elle 8, C Robertson and Mac 7, C Jay and Tracey 6, P Campbell and Cash 5, T Hargreaves and Steele 5, L Jecentho and Scott 5, C Robertson and Grace 3, K Yendell and Belle 3, G Smith and Rose 2, M Cameron and Bonnie 2, C Robertson and Street 2, B Robinson and Dan 2, R Pellow and Brace, S Haynes and Millie 1, C Jay and Blaze 1. Total dogs with points 31.
"Good luck to all going to the champs. Have a good time and return safely," Cameron finished.