A welcome return to NSW by the Working Gundog Association Pointer & Setter fraternity saw two Closed Season format trials conducted on the first weekend in August. Held in the Southern Riverina these trials saw some excellent work on the Saturday but some strangely disappointing work on the Sunday.
Saturday’s event was conducted in some old rice bays that had a nice sprinkling of birds. The first find occurred in the first 30 seconds, and this set the pattern for the rest of the trial, with a total of 20 finds being made by the competing dogs. The outstanding performer was Neville Whaley’s pointer bitch Patch. Showing blinding speed and stylish finding ability, she only needed to complete the retrieve/seek dead to have the event sewn up. Alas, Patch did not satisfactorily complete this requirement. The immaculate retrieves performed by Henry Foster’s Major saw this consistent performer awarded first place. Andrew Melisi’s pointer dog, Conte, was an extremely close runner up.
Sunday’s trial was, by comparison with Saturday’s excellent standard, a puzzling affair. Held in the same paddocks the 11 dogs could not produce the form that was seen only 24 hours earlier. Handling problems and missed opportunities characterised the event and by late morning the Judge, Vince Guastella of NSW called an end to the trial by announcing a no result.
The social aspect of this event was second to none and was certainly appreciated by the interstate visitors. The shearer’s quarters, good friends, the barbeque, the endless talk about dogs and trials past, present and in the future – what better way to end the season?
Saturday 01 August 2009. Judge: K. Oliver.
Winner: H. Foster’s F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW & NFTW (CS)
Runner up & Best Novice Dog: A. Melisi’s Similax Conte.
Sunday 02 August 2009. Judge: V Guastella - no result.
Click HERE to see photos.
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