Lambs dictate at Hobson
Scott McRae claimed a trifecta after winning three of the four events at the Hobson Sheep Dog Trial last weekend.
Two of the first placings were won in the two heading events with Cory, the other coming in the straight hunt through Toby.
McRae and Cory — who placed at last year’s nationals — put in a really top effort to hold off Steven Osborne’s Pip on the difficult long head course at the seventh leg of the Northland circuit.
Both the McRae dogs were regarded as real contenders at the upcoming nationals, noted trials commentator Merv Cameron, adding Toby’s win following major surgery last year would have a real boost for his handler.
Judging a testing short head and yard course at Hobson, Cameron said the lambs, in a lot of cases in this category, dictated their intention to the dogs.
“They were quite happy to let the dogs up real close and continue to graze. This frustrated a lot of dogs and once dogs started arcing off instead of taking a direct approach, no progress in the pull was a problem and so most didn’t have enough time to finalise their run by penning.
“Both afternoons the lambs freed up a little and so more flowing pulls evolved and hence more time available to pen.”
Cameron was particularly impressed with the performance of his Far North compatriot, Ed McCarthy and Mate. The pair emerged as the day one leaders but eventually had to settle for 3rd place overall in being overtaken by two top dogs, the aforementioned Cory and Murray Child’s exceptional Dice.
“This would have been Eddie and Mate’s first placing and, in this form, the Diggers Valley pair may well sneak enough points at coming trials to qualify for the nationals at the end of May,” said Cameron.
In the other hunt, local knowledge paid off with Grant West’s Swagger beating fellow club members, Barney Robinson with Rod and Craig Lugtigheid with Tara while Claire Thomson’s Mirri continued her current good form.
“Overall, a good, very well run trial with very workable sheep provided by the West family.”
RESULTS from the Hobson Sheep Dog Trial on March 22 and 23 were as follows. Long head (judge Bob Nelley): S McRae and Cory 98.5 points, 1, S Osborne and Pip 98, 2, A McLiver and Breeze 97.75, 3, A Ross and Bill 97.5, 4, C Thomson and Seth 97, 5; Short head and yard (Merv Cameron): S McRae and Cory 96.5, M Child and Dice 95.5, E McCarthy and Mate 95, S McRae and Sceata 94.5, P Campbell and Cash 93.5; Zig zag (M Child): G West and Swagger 98, B Robinson and Rod 97 C Lugtigheid and Tara 96.5, C Thomson and Mirri 96, T Comins and Tote 95.5; Straight hunt (M Child): S McRae and Toby 97, K Farrell and Jack 95, G West and Swagger 93.5, C Lugtigheid and Jay 92.5, B Robinson and Rod 92.
■ Event 8/12 of the series will be run at Marahemo, Otamatea this Saturday and Sunday. The remaining four legs making up the Northland circuit are at Broadwood April 5-6, Molesworth April 12-13, Maungakaramea April 27-28 and Mangonui from May 3-4.