Dove Valley Working Gundog Club.
on Sunday August 16th 2009. By kind invitation of Mr and Mrs T Williams.  Judges - L to R Peter Bates A2466, Phillipa Williams 2482 and Steve Richardson 2849. |
| For the last 15 years we
have held this Test in either Sugar Beet or Fodder Beet to give
handlers a chance to give their dogs a little experience in that type
of crop before the Trial Season gets underway. Unfortunately, this
year, we did not have any beet available and the Test was held in waist
high Rye Grass. This caused obvious problems as in most cases, dogs
were unable to mark. Everyone had been informed about the Rye Grass
before the day but no one was detered and 28 dogs took on the
challenge. Retrieves were not easy but the better dogs quickly showed
their experience. With one Retrieve in the first round and
sensible judging from 3 experienced judges, the Test progressed well
through to lunch and all the dogs had been given a fair chance as we
came to the end of the second round. After lunch, a simulated drive
tested the dogs in line and long marks and blinds over stubble brought
the Test to a close. It had been a difficult day for some dogs, but, as our winner, Paul Wintersgill put it in his eloquent Winners' speech, "We are very lucky to be here and we have to take what we are given". Results.  First Corsemalzie Drifter - Paul Wintersgill (above) Second Minstead Scribbs - Vicky Stanley. Third Lamaload Dana - Vic Barlow. Certificates of Merit awarded to: Ft. Ch. Geordieland Blizzard - Vicky Stanley. Mandacre Dabchick - Sue Hodson. Gun's Choice. Kenmilquin Clary Night - Ray Agent. (All Labradors)  L - R. Ray Agent, Sue Hodson, Vic Barlow, Paul Wintersgill and Vicky Stanley. Photo slide show - click HERE. |
