Dogs compete in inaugural trials

Bob Bruce holds his crook while his dog Cheat rounds up the sheep in the long head.

The inaugural Tikokino-Olrig Dog Trial held on Smedley Station's Bakers Block on February 3 and 4 was very successful, according to organisers, with 107 heading dogs and 88 huntaways competing.

President of the newly-created Tikokino-Olrig Sheep Dog Trial Club, Jerry Jeromson, said the Smedley Station provided a wonderful venue for two-day NZ Sheep Dog Trial Association-affiliated trial, which featured the long head, short head, zig-zag hunt and straight hunt, with prize money in maiden, intermediate and open classes.

As the first day of the trial clashed with the Fielding Centre Championships, Jeromson said competitor numbers were fewer than expected on the Friday, but there was a great turnout for Saturday competition.

"Friday was fairly relaxed but Saturday had us working until late evening to get all the competitors through."

With any new trial, Jeromson said there was always a worry that the courses or the sheep would not be up to standard.

"But everything went well and the sheep were very good to work with," he said.

"They stayed constant throughout the trial making it fair for everyone. The two heading courses went particularly well."

Despite the amounts of prize money offered, Jeromson said with the help of sponsors the club's finances would be in good shape after the trial.

"Competitors went home happy and we would expect large numbers next year," Jeromson said.

Trial results:

(Competitor, dog, points)
Long Head (Judge: Selwyn Dorward)
1st: A Savage, King: 98.25
2nd: G Peacock, Falco: 98
3rd: J Wilson, Jed: 96.25
1st Intermediate: A Savage, King: 98.25
1st Maiden: R Hawkins, Glen: 95

Short Head And Yard (Judge: Bob Bruce)
1st: L Grattan, Brie: 97.5
2nd: G Duff, Jess: 97
3rd: G Northcott, Barb: 96.5
1st Intermediate: M Murphy, Spit: 94.5
1st Maiden: C Lee, Bobby: 88.5

Zig Zag Hunt (Judge: Simon McDonald)
1st: R O'Sullivan, Gus:97
2nd: R Strachan, Rex:96.5
3rd: M McMillan, Base: 96
1st Intermediate: A Jury, Vault: 95.5
1st Maiden: A Jury,Vault: 95.5

Straight Hunt (Judge: M Phillips)
1st: G Brown, Smith: 96.25
2nd: A Jury,Vault: 96
3rd: H Henricksen, Joe: 95.75
1st Intermediate: G Brown, Smith: 96.25
1st Maiden: A Jury,Vault: 96