Kaitaia pair claim top spot in sheep dog trial

Cyril Ball and Nell (of Maungaturoto) in action during the sheep dog trial at the Bay of Islands Show in Waimate North on Saturday. Photo / Debbie Beadle

Kaitaia's Merv Cameron, with Clyde, took out the top spot in the sheep dog trial at the Bay of Islands Show at Waimate North on Saturday with a respectable 96 point effort.

In his review of proceedings, Merv noted a more than respectable total of 40 dogs - of both experienced and rookie variety - contested the well organised trial in the back corner of the show, behind the stand of puriri tries, and they were definitely put through their paces by their woolly adversaries.

"The sheep were quite unforgiving to any dogs that made quick moves or showed weakness in their direction," he said adding judge Claire Thomson, "who must have been pretty cold at times", was kept busy with consistent ongoing runs to score.

The forecasted thunderstorms didn't eventuate for the 174th Bay of Islands Show, allowing a huge crowd to once again fill the lovely grounds at Waimate North, and it was particularly pleasing to see a number of new faces having a go.

"In talking to them later, it made you realise how nervous one could be in performing for the first time."

On behalf of the show's organisers, Merv thanked Grant Smith for providing and transporting the course obstacles to and from Whangarei which would have made it so much easier for Pete Campbell to set up a course loosely based on the format seen in the Tux Yarding series.

"With next year being the 175th show, this oldest show in New Zealand will be a special one," Merv predicted.

Results were, Merv Cameron and Clyde 96 points, 1 (as in 1st), Mike Moody and Spot 95.5, 2, Shaun Haynes and Millie 95, 3, Colin Jay and Jet 94, 4, Chris Robertson and Street 93.75, 5.

Local maiden: Britta Waddell with Please 1, Connor Morgan with Jake 2, Kris Dyer with Max 3.

- Looking ahead, Merv said a strong contingent of local shepherds is heading south to take part in the Taupo leg of the Tux Yarding Challenge series from Thursday to Saturday this weekend.

More than 200 dogs will be in action, all aiming to qualify for the finale at Taumaranui in January.

Elsewhere, Far North ex-pat Leo Jecentho locked down a top three finish in the Waipukurau leg of the series at the Central Hawke's Bay A&P Show last weekend, finishing 3rd with Queen on 94 points, and also 14th with Scott on 82.

The Far North leg of the series returns to the Kaitaia A&P Showgrounds on December 9-10.