The maxim, 'Keep trying, never give up and you will eventually succeed' proved accurate for Rob Hastie when he finally enjoyed his first ever win in taking out the short head and yard title in Broadwood with his dog Jack on Saturday.
Local commentator Merv Cameron said the result for the well known shepherd was a popular one, particularly considering it was his first in 45 years of sheepdog trialling. And the weekend ended up being a double-plus for Rob as the accompanying photo shows: "Not only did he get a win but it rained. What a way for a double drought to break!"
However, Cameron noted Hastie and Jack hadproved they had the goods by consistently returning tidy efforts in recent trials, and the Kaiwaka farmer was obviously quietly hopeful of a top placing at Broadwood with Jack (his 30th heading dog), appearing anxious as the results were read out on Saturday night.
"He has been placed many times but never has the elusive win come his way." Despite this, the indefatigable Hastie had hardly missed a local trial in 45 years, competing in both heading and huntaways classes since 1968. He's also had a major input in Northland sheepdog trialling which included taking on the Molesworth club secretary job in 1971, a role he still holds today. Hastie has also been the secretary at least twice when Northland hosted the national champs, has judged regularly within and outside the centre, and his name was recently put forward to the North Island panel to assess for suitability for judging at national events.
"Rob has also enjoyed great support over the years from the late Rex Ries and Tony Hargreaves who both guided and assessed his judging and trialling efforts, and he has become a lot wiser because of it. And wife Debbie has been a tower of strength which Rob really appreciates," concluded Merv.
Of the event, Merv Cameron said, "Great sheep, good courses great hospitality and a boomer hangi. Well done, Broadwood!"
Results from the 2013 Broadwood sheepdog trials, Waiotehue Rd, April 12 and 13:
Long head (judged by C Jay): Scott McRae and Elle 97.5 points, 1; Owen Finlayson and Lady 96.5, 2; Murray Child and May 95, 3; Claire Thomson and Dan 94.5, 4; Murray Child and Ace 94.25, 5. Short head and yard (P Campbell): Rob Hastie and Jack 94.5, 1; Leo Jecentho and Cap 93, 2; Scott McRae and Skeeta 92.5, 3; Duncan Gilligan and Tim 91, 4; Merv Cameron and Bonnie 90, 5; intermediate: Hastie and Jack 94.5.
Zig zag hunt (C Thomson): Murray Child and Frank 97.75 1, John Nelley and Buster 95.5, 2; Grant West and Code 95.25, 3; Scott McRae and Otis 95, 4; Leo Jecentho and Storm 94.5, 5. Straight hunt (C Thomson): Murray Child and Frank 98, 1; Tony Comins and Shelley 96, 2; Leo Jecentho and Storm 95.5, 3; John Nelley and Buster 95.25, 4, Rhys Dackers and Kate 95, 5.
Triallists head to Twin Bridges between Kaikohe and Dargaville this Friday and Saturday as the end of the Northland season looms.