We thank the Laird Family for allowing us to use the huge field of sugar beet and the neighbouring stubble for our open cold game test. We also thank Skinners Pet Foods for sponsoring the test.
It was an enjoyable day, dry and warm, but not too hot for the dogs. The test was well managed by our Chief Steward, Peter Bell who kept everything running smoothly. Many thanks to him and to our judges Sarah Coomber-Smith and Tim Brain – and, of course, our helpers.
In the first round, each of the 20 dogs had two retrieves to shot. There was a mixture of marks and blinds that kept dogs and handlers on their toes. The single retrieve of the second round was again either a seen or unseen. 8 dogs went through after lunch and they were initially tested with a drive in the sugar beet and a blind across the stubble field. Finally there was a walk up over the stubble with cross retrieves.
Results
1st Garrethall Riana LRB handled by Alan Penney*
2nd Keyholme Farm Sea Lavender LRB handled by David Toombs**
3rd Lowsommer Allenton LRD handled by Will Hales
4th Derrity Thor*** LRD handled by Charlotte Smith
CoM Woodcockhill Madoqua LRD handled by Geoff Dobb
*awarded the Ferdown Shield
**awarded the Sweep Parker Memorial Trophy for the highest placed Lincs Area member other than the winner
***awarded the Springflight Trophy for the best looking yellow Labrador
Warrenbank Eagle of Lindygun LRD handled by Bel Grundy was awarded the Lintran Challenge Trophy for the best retrieve on the day