Award winners and Judges
NOVICE TRIAL 14th DECEMBER 2021 At MEOLS HALL, SOUTHPORT
The United Retriever Club held its final Trial of the season at Meols Hall, Southport on Tuesday 14th December 2021. Permission from the landowner, Ms Catherine Hesketh allowed us to use this beautiful ground for our 14 dog AV retriever novice stake. Generous support, and excellent shooting from the John Williams Syndicate of guns ensured a really good day.
The day was overcast with a light breeze but, thankfully dry overhead, following significant rain the day before. Judges Keith Barnes (A Panel) with Nick Mercer (NP) on the left and Steve Hore (B Panel) with Kevin Butler (NP) on the right took all dogs into line for the first drive on marshy grassland with woodland in front, a wide hedge on the left and a deep dyke on the right. Red Flag/Covid Officer, Caron Chatwood, and Dog Steward, Penny Aubrey, held the gallery some distance behind the dogs.
Clever control of the beating line using mini drives during each drive by Steward of the Beat, Nick Aubrey, ensured a controlled flow of game. By the time we had fully completed the drive at this first location, the field had been reduced by half. A short break for delicious refreshments generously provided by Nick Aubrey, was taken in the field, after which the remaining dogs were taken to a new location for another set of mini drives. Some long crossing retrieves with some birds having fallen on the edge of, or just into, a dyke showed some excellent dog work.
After conferring, the Judges declared the trial was over at about 2 o’clock and we returned to base for tea, sandwiches, and cake, again provided by Nick Aubrey.
The Judges gave first place to Cindy Joule with her 5 year old Lab Bitch, Elusive Lily but no other awards were made. Guns Choice went to Adrian Moodie with his 4 year old Lab Dog Bellaroyal Class Act.
Once again, Northern Area of the URC provided us with a first class trial. We are grateful to them for putting in the hard work beforehand to ensure such a successful day. The Judges allowed all competitors plenty of time and we saw some challenging retrieves. Sincere thanks go to all involved.