We were able to run our dogs over this amazing ground by kind permission of Mr & Mrs James. Our thanks to them and to our judges: Dave Haycock and Martin Abbott. ‘Thank you’ also to our sponsors: Skinners and Samantha Whyte of Gundog tv, not forgetting our chief steward Sue Hales-Lowe.
There were four tests for all of the dogs and dogs and handlers alike enjoyed a lovely warm spring day.
Test 1 was a picking up exercise in long grass a good distance away. There were two dummies out and one shot was fired.
Test 2 was a double mark, each with shot, in long grass. The dogs picked the first dummy down first.
Test 3 was a long mark with shot, followed by retrieving the dummy that was replaced in the same spot as the dog returned.
Test 4 involved a long outrun to a marked retrieve in water. On returning, the dog was sent for a blind retrieve placed in the area between two trees.
Eleven dogs went through to a four dog walk up. Each group of four sat for a drive (a dog that did not make the cut was brought in to make up the numbers in the last group, but it was not scored). After the drive, dogs and handlers walked on. The first dog on the right was given a blind retrieve with a shot from the shotgun. After walking on again, the first dog on the left picked a dummy from the drive. Walking on again and the second dog on the right picked a blind with shot. After another walk on, the second dog on the left picked off the drive. The test was repeated with each dog having the other retrieve.
Results:
1st Reedmoor’s Ares of Higgscroft handled by D Higgs winning the Lincolnshire Area Shield for the winner and the Glebespray Tankard for the highest placed Lincs Area member
2nd Lowsommer Barley handled by Julie Campbell winning the Ansonscha Shield for the runner up
3rd Hollowgate Rising Flame handled by Charlie Albone
CoM Lonicerium Mace handled by Bill Emms
CoM Questeleet Malsans Diamond handled by Malc Smith
CoM Kentwone Jack the Lad handled by T Unwin winning the Riaghyll Black Shadow Shield for youngest dog in the awards.