Novice Dog/Novice Handler and Intermediate Tests in the afternoon attracted an entry of 39 dogs in all (8 for ND/NH and 31 for Intermediate). After three withdrawals, 8 ND/NH and 28 Intermediate dogs ran. For this large field of competitors judges Karen Pinker and Mike Anderson were joined by Francesca Prentice and Richard Edwards and lunch for judges and helpers was very rushed so that we could get started quickly.
Test 1 was a difficult mark followed by a blind in the same place, Test 2 was a picking up exercise with a blind over a ditch, Test 3 was a hunting exercise in white grass, and Test 4 the walk up, with the ND/NH level set at shorter distances than the Intermediate on all tests. Unfortunately some of the ND/NH dogs found the tests a challenge too far although the dogs and handlers in the awards showed a high standard and good promise for the future. The Intermediate tests produced a close finish with the winning dog on 74 points and the next three dogs tied on 73. The Judges decided on a run off with a blind retrieve to decide the placings.
Novice Dog/Handler
| Position | Name | Dog Breed/Sex | Dog Name |
|---|
| 1st |
Mrs A Lever |
Labrador Dog |
Kestrelway Othello |
| 2nd |
Mr P Candy |
Labrador Dog |
Ziggy of Queensbury View by Minterburn |
| 3rd |
Miss B Harford |
Labrador Bitch |
Groove Armarda |
Intermediate
| Position | Name | Dog Breed/Sex | Dog Name |
|---|
| 1st |
Mr R Ford |
Labrador Dog |
Fernshot Solo |
| 2nd |
Mrs J McHugh |
Labrador Bitch |
Crowbush Saphire of Bittenham |
| 3rd |
Mrs C Meakes |
Labrador Bitch |
Milford Heath Hetty |
| 4th |
Mr B Webb |
Flat Coated Retriever Dog |
Pennyswick Viscount |
Grateful thanks to all dummy throwers and stewards, to the catering corps, and to Dick Dimmock for his help and support. The weather was a little unkind to us with quite a bit of rain and a brisk wind. Thank goodness for the trusty gazebo which stood up to the elements very well indeed.