Fit as a fiddle, sharp as a knife dogs on trial
John Linton and Cam scoring 98 points ahead of 116 other combinations.
The Long Head is a process in which the heading eye dog brings the sheep from a much higher point to a ring on the flats judged on speed but also control and direction. A keen group of observers watched this unfold from the road. Weber farmer Bo Milner and Sharp won the competition.
Over on Jackson Rd the huntaway competitions were held, the dog required to drive three sheep up the hill to a high point in the Straight Hunt. The dogs bark to provide the sheep “incentive”. Gerard Brown and Task won this competition.
Around the bend the Zig Zag Hunt took place as its name suggests, Simon McDonald and Woody taking the title from 97 other competitors.
This was the 110th Kumeroa Dog Trials and judging from the fact the club overcame so many challenges to run the two days it looks sure to keep up the tradition for years to come.
■ Results:
Event one — Long Head, judge Ian Burling. 1 John Linton, Cam 98; 2 Howard Ingles, Lou, 96.5; 3 Graham Ryder, Jacko, 95.5. First Intermediate, John Linton, Cam, 98. First Maiden, Shane Robinson, Blaze, 91.5.
Event Two — Short Head and Yard, judge Brenda O’Leary. 1 Bo Milner, Sharp, 94.5; 2 Jim Wilson, Wally, 94; 3 Dave Wallace, Amp, 93.5. First Intermediate, Dave Wallace,
Amp. First Maiden, Murray Herbert, Rose, 91.
Event Three — Zig Zag Hunt, judge Don White. 1 Simon McDonald, Woody, 97.5; 2 James Hemopo, Frankie, 97; 3 Simon Pouting, Meg, 96.75. First Intermediate, James Hemopo, Frankie. First Maiden, Stuart Ross, Grace, 95.5.
Event Four — Straight Hunt, judge Chris Shaw. 1 Gerard Brown, Task, 97.5; 2 Dave Stuart, Charm, 96.75; 3 James Hemopo, Jade, 96.5. First Intermediate, Gerard Brown, Task, 97.5. First Maiden, James Hemopo, Jade, 96.5.
Two solid days of competition, with a delayed start by three hours both days on the heading courses, due to fog, led to long days, but all runs were completed.