Wanganui entries top

Rob Mather and Sheen shedding for a place in the final.

The Tux Handy Dog Trial at Papahaua Station last weekend was again dominated by Wanganui huntaways, with Craig Johns having back-to-back wins.

The annual event was well attended, with 100 huntaways barking their way around the course over the two days.

The heading showring events - judged by Wendy Schmidt on the Friday and Merv Williams on the Saturday - attracted 50 dogs each day.

Wendy Dalziel, who works at Papahaua, made the Handy Dog final with two huntaways and Jamie Shrubsall, from Taumaranui, with Tar won the maiden and placed seventh in the run-off - a great effort.

Secretary Lisa Martin said the weekend ran very smoothly and Robyn McDougal did another excellent job catering for the event.

The club was grateful for the support of Atihau-Whanganui Inc for the generous use of their land and sheep.

Results

1, Craig Johns & Sue 99pts; 2, Bruce Parkinson & Tune 98.5pts; 3, Guy Peacock & Tom 97pts; 4, Wayne Falkner & Katie 96.8pts; 5, Rod Walker & Buck 96.5pts.

Maiden: 1, Jamie Shrubsall & Tar 97.5pts; 2, Josh Harman & Trix 87pts; 3, Matthew McLeod & Angel 83pts; 4, Jeremy Mallalieu & Pearl 82pts; 5, Tom Nimmo & Chance 75pts.

Heading results (Friday)

Open: 1, Peter Green & Di 98.5pts; 2, Guy Peacock & Falcon 97pts; 3, Stan Whiteman & Parker 96.5pts.

Maiden: 1, Chris Journeaux & Luke 93pts; 2, Bruce Parkinson & Sleek 92.5pts; 3, Matthew McLeod & Spec 92pts.

Maiden Man/Dog: 1, Matthew McLeod & Spec 92pts; 2, Brad Hartely 76pts; 3, Brad Hartely & Gem 45pts.

Saturday results

John Foss & Sue 98pts; 2, Chris Baker & Spark 97.5pts; 3, Guy Peacock & Falcon 97pts.

Maiden: 1, Guy Peacock & Chief 95pts; 2, Ruth Coleman & Wyn 93pts; 3, Donovan Morris & Cloud 89pts.

Maiden Man/Dog: 1, Geoff Mallalieu & Nit 86pts; 2, Vicki Morris & Wick 66pts; 3, Di Moloughney & Zig 46pts.

Meanwhile, three other dog trialists from the Wanganui centre had a successful weekend at the Cambridge Classic Trial on Micheal Oliver's property east of Cambridge.

Brenda O'Leary and Tote were the top qualifiers on the first day with 100 points out of 110, Graham Wellington was second with Teak and Mangamahu club member Rob Mather made the final on Saturday with Sheen, making three Wanganui contestants out of the five finalists.

Art Eastham and Finnegan from Gisborne won the Double Gather final with a brilliant display of casting, pulling, driving, shedding and penning.

The classic event is based on the English sheep dog trials and shows the many facets of a heading dog's abilities and is now the only trial of this sort in New Zealand.

Results

Final: 1, Art Eastham & Finnegan 141pts; 2, Rob Mather & Sheen 137pts; 3, Alan McGaughan & King 115pts; 4, Graham Wellington & Teak 101pts; 5, Brenda O'Leary & Tote 100.

Top shed: Art Eastham & Finnegan.

Top drive: Micheal Oliver Hemp & Wisp.

Top newcomer: Bruce Ireland & Johny.