The day started well weather wise, perfect conditions for dogs and handlers, being dry and bright and comfortably warm. This lovely setting enabled a great variety of ground for our tests.
The first test was a long mark at the top of a hill which became a memory. The exercise started from one hill, with the shot and the marked memory on hill opposite, requiring the dog to run down then up hill, but before that the dog had to run down the hill to the right, for a blind in the grass under a tree. Most dogs completed this successfully, although some needed handling on the memory. The second test was in woodland. First was a marked retrieve to the left down a steep slope, where the dummy was visible in the air, but you didn’t see the fall. The more experienced dogs did better on this because they ran the fall distance, whereas some of the less experienced dogs marked it short so needed handling. The second retrieve was a blind with a shot which was to the right, in the woods, through thick cover to the base of a tree, only one dog ran directly through the cover, the others took the easier route along a track.
Test three was a water test. A shot with a distraction was to the far left, and then a shot was fired straight across for a blind retrieve on land. There was a long swim for the retrieve, with few dogs swimming directly back, and choosing to run round. The final test was a long mark across a strip of bare drill onto the grass headland. The dogs, had to clear a ditch, then a long run to collect the dummy. Several of the dogs pulled to the left into the crops, but most completed the exercise successfully. The second retrieve was a blind in a ditch behind a tree.
There was a three dog run-off for second place. This was a long straight mark into crops, all dogs succeeded but there was a clear decision for the placing’s. Worthy winner was Mike Tallamy, who had been running well all day. Second place was Liz Ingram, third place Mick Elsey and fourth place Tom Lowe.
It was a successful day, and the stewards had set four very good, different tests, all with a “bunker” to possibly catch you out. A good day was had by all, ending with the customary tea and cake. Our thanks go to our two judges, Phil Askew and Peter Lamb, Mr & Mrs Newton for kindly allowing us to use their land once again and Masters Dog Food for their generous support.