The wheel has turned for the Mangamahu Sheep Dog Trial Club. Four years ago I wrote a report on the annual trial that included some serious criticism of the way it was conducted.
Support was dropping. The comment this year would be: Those who did not compete missed out on a well-run trial, excellent sheep and superb lunch.
Both the hunt courses have been shortened. The heading courses are as big and challenging as they have always been. Wayne Falkner's ewe lambs were used on both heads, which suited Jim Wilson, Wayne Falkner, and Don White as each secured two placings. Jim Wilson had been to the Makutiku (Norsewood) on Friday and was third and fourth in the shorthead and yard with Duffy and Rose. On Saturday at Mangamahu Duffy won the same event ahead of Rose, and for good measure his young dog Jed, who is by a Welsh dog (Aled Owen's Roy 2010 world champion), won the maiden. Duffy won the shorthead last year.
The longhead ring was back at the championship mark, making it a long run to the foot of the hill, a challenge for younger dogs to hit the climb in the right place. There was a mystery hole part- way up, where several dogs stopped to investigate.
The hole was inspected for dead or alive sheep but nothing was found. The lambs were steady coming down the hill but tended to run away on the flat. Chris Journeaux's Moss, a reliable dog was second.
There were several highlights on the hunt courses, both were won by intermediate dogs. Firstly, Alan Nimmo, remembered for his two huntaways, Tango and Bully, is back and looking forward to the nationals with Keg who won the zigzag hunt, and Bess. The winner of the straight hunt was local club man Lawrence Patterson and Hurk.
The run was straight as a die, except just near the top, where there was a small wobble. Half a point was a bitch with a huge future, Sam Duncan's Belle. Her sheep moved to the right as they were liberated but she put them back on track and finished well.
Another half point behind was Duncan's other huntaway Tess who was third on the zigzag and works much the same as Belle.
TOP DOG CONTEST
Heading: R Mather McQueen, 16 B Parkinson, Brook 13; F Rowland Meg, 13. Huntaway; S Duncan Belle, 19; F Rowland Coal, 16.
Results:
Longhead: P McGlade, Mike, 95,1; C Journeaux, Moss, 94, 2; D White, Tweed, 93.5, 3; W Falkner, Rose, 93, 4; B Parkinson, Brook, 92, 5. Intermediate, C Journeaux, Moss. Maiden, G Clifton, Tess, 91.
Shorthead and yard: J Wilson, Duffy, 96.5, 1; J Wilson, Rose, 95, 2; D white, Tweed, 94.5, 3; W Falkner, Rose, 94, 4; P Boyce, Guide, 93.5, 5. Intermediate, S Martin, Bride, 91.5. Maiden, J Wilson, Jed, 84.5.
Zigzag hunt: A Nimmo, Keg, 96, 1; H Thompson, Quake, 95.5, 2; S Duncan, Tess, 95, 3; A Coleman, Meg, 4; C Johns, Midge, 94.5, 5. Intermediate, A Nimmo, Keg. Maiden, A Coleman, Meg.
Straight hunt: L Patterson, Hurk, 98.5, 1; S Duncan, Belle, 98, 2; S Duncan, Tess, 97.5, 3; B Parkinson, Brew, 97, 4; N Haynes, Paul, 96.7, 5. Intermediate, L Patterson, Hurk. Maiden, B Rogers, Tess, 93.