Taihape duo qualify for sheep dog trials champs at Moawhango

Longhead finalists - Junior Mullins and Jay; Humes rep; Paul Evans & Richie; Jamie Shrubsall & Whip; Kathryn Oliver & Shy, timekeeper Donna Milner; Sam Clare with Wade Clare & Track; judge Bo Milner.

By Brenda O'Leary
Wanganui Centre Publicity Officer

The Moawhango Collie Club held their annual hill trial at the end of March in conjunction with the Humes Wanganui Centre championship.

The courses at Moawhango trial grounds, which are on the Batley property, are rated some of the most challenging in the Wanganui centre area.

They have a formidable reputation - dreams can be realised, but also hearts broken.

Robyn Stephens, from the King Country centre, and Clark Chrystal, from Hawke's Bay, were the lone outsiders to feature in the heading results. Robyn won the longhead with Jake which was a wonderful achievement considering Robyn had never been to Moawhango before - and, in fact, she got lost getting there. The sheep were difficult and the low points scoring reflects that.

It was great to see Junior Mullins and Jay from Taihape qualify for the championships for the first time and Pete London from the Paparangi club qualify with Stomp. Special thanks to Humes for their sponsorship of the centre championships and also to Steve and Rachel Ponsonby for getting the draw out.

The Wanganui centre shorthead finalists - Brian Burke and Stone; Pete London and Stomp; Wayne Falkner and Roz; Rob Mather and Posh; Bryce York and Tess; and judge Stu Henson.PHOTOS/ NICOLE STUART

There were 170 heading runs and 227 hunts over two qualifying days. Upcoming trials for the Wanganui centre are Ruahine-Rangiwahia this weekend; Ohingaiti from April 13-15 with the Young Gun finals; and the final trial for the centre - Otairi-Pukeroa on April 20-21 when the club will celebrate its 75th jubilee.

Moawhango Club results:

Class 1: 1, R Stephens & Jake 95; 2, W Clare & Track 94.5; 3, J Shrubsall & Whip 94; 4, K Oliver & Shy 93.5; 5, P Evans & Richie 93.

Intermediate: J Mullins & Jay 92.5. Maiden: J Phillips & Spur 90.25.

Class 2; 1, R Mather & Posh 91; 2, C Chrystal & Rick 89.5; 3, P London & Stomp 89; 4, B Burke & Stone 88; 5, B York & Tess 86.5.

Intermediate: B York & Tess 86.5. Maiden: B York & Herd 59.

Class 3: 1, B Parkinson & Fake 97; 2, D Stuart & Gus 96; 3, J Brennan & Hung 95.75; 4, G Guiniven & Dark 95.5; 5, B York & Boot 95.25.

Intermediate: J Brennan & Hung 95.75. Maiden: B Meehan & Huck 91.5.

Class 4: 1, C Johns & Dunn 97.5; 2, C Chrystal & Nell 97.25; 3, R Gallien & Pound 97; 4, D Stuart & Turk 96.75; 5, S McNeill & Stock 96.5. Intermediate: M Whittle & Bruce 94.75. Maiden: K Young & Prince 94.

Humes Wanganui Centre Championship aggregates:

Class 1: 1, J Shrubsall & Whip 184; 2, P Evans & Richie 183; 3, W Clare & Track 182.5; 4, J Mullins & Jay 178.5; 5, K Oliver & Shy 177.5.

Class 2: 1, R Mather & Posh 177; 2, B Burke & Stone 170; 3, W Falkner & Roz 156; 4, P London & Stomp 153.5; 5, B York & Tess 141.5.

Class 3: 1, B York & Boot 186.75; 2, B Parkinson & Fake 185; 3, G Guiniven & Dark 183.5; 4, J Brennan & Hung 181.75; 5, D Stuart & Gus 137.

Class 4: 1, J Shrubsall & Stag 192; 2, R Morris & Swag 189.25; 3, D Stuart & Turk 188.75; 4, C Johns & Dunn 185; 5, G Guiniven & Dark 163.5.