Sheep dog trials: Veteran and rookie impress at Waimate North

Tyriek Pikaahu and Bride taking part in the Waimate North A&P Show on Saturday.

Some of the top talent in the country was on display in the sheep dog trial event at the Waimate North A&P Show on Saturday.

Veteran Kaitaia triallist Merv Cameron — who eventually finished runner-up in the event with the experienced Clyde — said some of the best performers in New Zealand were at the event such as winner, Neville Child's Harry, the current national long head champion.

"Harry gave a polished display of his ability but was pushed hard by my Clyde who lost perhaps one point at the final pen — oh so close!" Cameron said, recalling selling Harry to Child a few years back in an auction fundraiser for the local Mangonui club.

"Harry ended up competing [at Waimate North] against his mother and three brothers and sisters. That would not happen very often," he said. One was Kevin Easterbrook's Meg who finished fifth.

"Kevin's placing was a huge boost for him as Meg has only recently recovered from a busted leg inflicted by a nasty bull."

Also singled out was Tyriek Pikaahu, who won the local maiden event with Bride in only his second time competing.

The former Taipa Area School student, now senior shepherd at Whitehills Landcorp (near Kaikohe) after receiving a scholarship to join Landcorp three years ago, Pikaahu also won the local maiden event at Rangiputa in his first shot at competition last year.

"This lad has huge potential with dogs and trialling," said an impressed Cameron.

He went on to note there was huge interest for this year's event with over 40 entries which took most of the day to get through before proceedings were finally wrapped up around 4pm.

"A great day out," Cameron said.

Acknowledgments went to Grant Smith from Whangarei for bringing his own course obstacles up which made Pete Campbell's job of organising the event much easier, and Hamish Child who did a very good job in his first attempt at judging.

"It would not have been easy with dad [Neville] performing but the result was well received."

Results were, Neville Child and Harry 97 points, 1; Merv Cameron and Clyde 96.75, 2; John Nelley and Stream 96.5, 3; Shane Munford and Rose 96, 4; Kevin Easterbrook and Meg 95.5, 5; and, Local Maiden: Tyriek Pikaahu with Bride.