Debut final for Villi proves successful at dog trials

Waverley s Ian Smith pens for fifth place.Photo / Supplied

Waverley's Ian Smith took out fifth place at the Mighty Mix Taranaki Indoor Sheepdog Trial - a top result with a new dog.

Smith and his maiden dog, Villi, qualified for the final on Saturday. It was the duo's first time in a runoff.

The event was contested by 100 competitors and more than 200 heading dogs.

The coveted Bruce Harvey memorial trophy and top prize of $1000 was won with a 99-point run by veteran campaigner Rod Mead and Lad from Gisborne who prevented back-to-back wins by last year's winning duo, Anna Hardwick-Smith and Rip from Eltham. Hardwick-Smith was the only woman to make the final. She finished second.

Wanganui centre had three dogs in the final, Lindsay Schmidt from the Feilding club, with Jill and Jed, and Graham Wellington and Seamus from the Parapara/Makirikiri club, who placed fourth in the final, as well as Smith.

This year the club donated $3000 to St John Hawera, next year it will support the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter.

Open Results: 1, R Mead and Lad 99; 2, A Hardwick-Smith and Rip 98; 3, C Robertson and Grace 95.5; 4, G Wellington and Seamus; 5, I Smith and Villi 94; 6, D Murphy and Flight 91.5; 7, B Bryson and Bolt 91; 8, L Jecentho and Smoke 89; 9, L Schmidt and Jill 88; 10, B Ireland and Sam 85.5; 11, A Smith and Lad 80; 12; L Schmidt and Jed 79; 13, L Jecentho and Queen; 14, L Gratten and Brie.

Top male competitor in the qualifying rounds was Leo Jecentho with Queen 99.5, Sheena Martin from Wairoa was the top pointing lady with Stretch 95.

Submitted by Brenda O'Leary, Wanganui centre publicity officer