15 year old Erin Ball from Northland and Speed penning for 5th place in final.
15 year old Erin Ball from Northland and Speed penning for 5th place in final.
There were quite a mix of competitors from all over the North Island who made the final of the Mighty Mix Taranaki Dog Trial Showring Championships held at Hawera over the weekend.
Chris Baker a former title holder from Pio Pio judged the event.
Fifteen year old Erin Ballfrom Maungataroto provided the highlight of the weekend.
Erin got on the leader board on Friday, headed down to Whanganui to an agility trial on Saturday, was back at Hawera for the final on Sunday where she placed 5th overall.
Erin ran her first dog at this trial when she was 12 years old. She has a big future ahead of her. Of the 26 women with 51 dogs that entered, four women made the finals. Novices competed this year and it was good to see new people having a go.
Several Wanganui centre dogs featured in the final: Raetihi's Kathryn Oliver and Kim were 8th and Peter Green (Mataroa) with top centre heading dog, 10 year old Di, was 10th.
Mr Baker said the most unlucky competitor was Merv Williams with Showman from Raetihi, who ran out of time at the pen on a very good run.
BIG BOOST: Max Hutchinson, St John Hawera receiving club donation of $3000 from club president Ian Smith.
The Taranaki Dog Trial Showring Club was delighted to present St John Hawera with a donation of $3000, one of two community services it supports each alternative year.
President Ian Smith from Waverley said "it is our way of paying back to the many Taranaki businesses and people that sponsor our event each year, they make it all possible" .
Next year the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter will be the recipient.
A first this year, was the filming of the runoff by Country TV. This is the first time a show trial has been filmed and the programme premieres August 10 at 8pm. It will screen over four weeks. Sponsorship from Mighty Mix Dog Food Ltd, Tasman Toyota New Plymouth, Steelformers Stratford and Wanganui Vet Services made this possible.
Next year's trial will be judged by 2015 winner Wendy Schmidt from Levin.
GOTCHA: Leo Jecentho and 10 year old Cap from Hamilton at the pen for the winning.
Results:1, L Jecentho, Cap 97;2, B Ireland, Spark 96; 3, A Hardwick-Smith, Rip 94;4, S Martin, Grand 93.5; 5,E Ball, Speed 92.5;6, B Berger, Matt 92.25; 7, G Northcott, Barb 92;8, K Oliver, Kim 91;9, I Burling, Jay 90; 10, P Green, Di 87;11, B Berger, Rose 85;12. B Bruce,Susan 83; 13, R Mead, Lad 80;14, K Lobb, Freak 65. Open man/ Inter dog:1st B Berger, Rose 98;2nd I Burling, Jay 98;3rd R Mead, Lad 97. Open man/Maiden dog: 1st M Cameron, Roy 96.75;2nd K Lobb, Kristofferson 95.5;3rd S Martin, Punk 95. Inter man/Inter dog: 1st E Ball, Speed 97;2nd K Crowe, Dream 95;3rd J Hancox, Gaze 90.5. Inter man/maiden dog: 1st T Newton, Brick 93.5; 2nd M Austin, Fizz 92.5;3rd T Newton, Belle 92. Maiden man/maiden dog: 1st G Hancock, Granite 92; 2nd W Rowe, Ant 89.5;3rd T Lilley, Tyke 81. Novice: G Hancock Granite 92. - Brenda O'Leary (Wanganui Centre Publicity Officer)
