Successful Dog Trials Held At Ohaeawai

Northern Advocate, 11 May 1939, Page 2

Successful Dog Trials Held At Ohaeawai

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”l OHAEAWAI. This Day. Large crowds attended the Ohaeawai sheep dog trials held on Mr. Read Binclon’s property, Ohaeawai. The dogs competing were of a high standard, and some interesting and close competitions resulted. Mr. F. R. Cottrell, of Taihapc. who judged the trials, stated that the meeting had been one of the most successful he had attended for some time, and the dogs competing in the various contests had done some excellent work. He considered the course to be one of the best in the North Island, and a good test for the dogs. “On the first day in the long head there were one or two exceptionally good runs,” he said, “though at the same time a number of dogs worked disappointingly. “The first three dogs in class fine were of a very high class, and quite capable of winning anywhere in the island.’’ Mr. Cottrell continued. Faultless Run. “In the short head the first five dogs were exceptionally good, setting a high standard of work, the winning run being practically faultless, although the points were a little low. “The low points had nothing, however. to do with the dog’s excellent performance,’’ he emphasised. “In fact, I think he was woHh a championship, as he was quite up to championship form in every way. The dogs receiving second and third placings were also worthy of a championship.’’ Speaking of [he performances in the huntaway, Mr. Cottrell said that four of the dogs were exceptionally good, despite the fact that three of them did not complete the course. “The sheep were stiff in some cases, and the course was a hard one,” the judge staled. “The winning run was progressive, the dog showing good style in doing the work quite solidly throughout, and completing the course, hard as It was, in less than eight minutes.” Referring to the club officials. Mr. Cottrell said that they had carried out their duties in a very business-like manner, and he expressed appreciation of the courtesy which had been shown him by all members of the committee. Results of All Events Results were as follows: Long Head: J. E. White’s Sharp, 41 points, 1; N. G. McKenzie’s Donald Dhu, 38 points, 2; W. Vickers’ Joy, 371points, 3; J. E. White's Mack. 36 points. 4; P. G. L. McKenzie’s Lofty, 351 points. 5; 11. B. Slonno's Roy. 35 points. 6. The winning dog kept in a good position of control throughout the trial, and" proved quite capable at following. He completed both circuits in a good manner, the run being quite entertaining throughout. The second dog, Donald Dhu, was a little jerky in approach and allowed the sheep to drift on one or two occasions. Joy, the third dog. did a lot. of unnecessary running, and its ring work was only fair.

Short Head: J. E. White's Mack, 544 points, 1; G. H. White’s McCready, 524 points, 2; N. G. McKenzie’s Donald Dhu, 50 points, 3; A. Arieli’s Ben. 494 points, 4; P. G. L. McKenzie's Lofty, 47 points, 5. The winner’s run was practically perfect throughout, the dog being in complete harmony with the sheep. McCready, the second dog, allowed the sheep to get around the side of the pen on one occasion, but it had a very strong finish. Although it did some solid work and made no mistakes in the penning, the third dog allowed the sheep to get to the back of the pen.

Huntaway: E. H. Sloane’s Bill. 3fU points. 1; W. Cumming’s Midge, points, 2; P. G. L. McKenzie’s Rock, 38 points, 3; AV. Cummings Clyde, 37 i points, 4; A. Ariell’s Roy. 37 points, 5. Although a little -rash at times, the winner started steadily and. followed well, doing no unnecessary running. Keeping good line. Midge, the second dog, made good progress He was not, however, very prompt in answering orders. The third dog kept the sheep cn the run and was responsible for a very good trial, but time was called just before the course was completed.