The Retrieving Discipline Committee is showcasing its New Event
THE WORKING GUNDOG ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA RETRIEVING CHALLENGE
which is open to ALL WGAA MEMBERS - ALL DISCIPLINES
The aim is to meet on Saturday when Retrieving Training will be available and also information on the WGAA Retrieving Challenge which is being held on the Sunday.
As this is the FIRST RETRIEVING CHALLENGE to be run by WGAA we are trying to promote this concept, so this event will be FREE TO ENTER and A BARBEQUE LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED.
Camping is available on Saturday Night. You will need your camping equipment, food etc.
COME ALONG FOR A FUN WEEKEND AND SUPPORT YOUR CLUB
Please contact Graham Hayes for further details if you are coming or have any queries on
TEL: 9743 7402 or email: Jeddah@alphalink.com.au
Monday, 10 August 2009
Sunday, 9 August 2009
WGAA New South Wales Pointer & Setter Field Trials (Closed Season) 1&2 August 09
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.
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.
Saturday, 4 July 2009
John Nash Memorial P&S Field Trial 28/6/09
John Nash, after whom this trial is named, judged in Australia for the Pointer Club in 1988. John's impressive demeanor and the huge entry - over 30 dogs (the biggest P&S entry in living memory in Australia - possibly ever), stamped this event as one worthy of being commemorated.
The trial was conducted in a 750 acre paddock of directly drilled new crop, a testament to modern farming techniques with its huge size and GPS accurate drill rows. When the fog began to clear revealing the huge size of this paddock, things got serious and some excellent P&S work was produced. Dogs revelled in the cool, dampish conditions and the fresh northerly breeze.
The heat between Alan Willey's Abbey (PB) and Henry Foster's Major (PD) was the spectacle of the morning. Both dogs were really going for it, ranging and quartering as hard as they could go, covering their beats in correct pointer & setter style, two white flashes cutting through the remaining fog patches, turning into the wind, straining for a competitive advantage, slamming into point, backing without a moment's hesitation, steady to wing, shot and the fall of game, accurate retrieving ... this was the sort of work one always wants to see. Andrew Melisi's Conte (PD) was another stylish goer, with its high head and eye-catching productions. But for some unsteadiness at the fall of game this dog may well have been placed. The extra temptations in a shooting field trial (the shot, the fall of game, the retrieve/seek dead on a bird shot seconds before) are the criteria that separate the Closed Season non - shooting trial format from the Open Season shooting format, and a dog that can handle both formats well is indeed a tough & worthy competitor.
Such was the case today, with Alan Willey's Closed Season Field Champion Abbey coming through to win. No dog was going to be her match on this day as she produced 6 times in her two runs, retrieved flawlessly, backed in a flash and consistently took the front running - a tough competitor indeed. This was the first win ever by a Western Australian dog in a Victorian P&S field trial.
John Nash Memorial Field Trial 2009 placegetters. Judge: Barry Oliver
Winner: Alan Willey's F Ch (CS) Ywurrie Rani PB (Abbey)
Runner up: Henry Foster's F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW (CS) PD (Major)
Third: Taner Ozsehitoglu's Gamemaster Evans ISD (Brandy)
The trial was conducted in a 750 acre paddock of directly drilled new crop, a testament to modern farming techniques with its huge size and GPS accurate drill rows. When the fog began to clear revealing the huge size of this paddock, things got serious and some excellent P&S work was produced. Dogs revelled in the cool, dampish conditions and the fresh northerly breeze.
The heat between Alan Willey's Abbey (PB) and Henry Foster's Major (PD) was the spectacle of the morning. Both dogs were really going for it, ranging and quartering as hard as they could go, covering their beats in correct pointer & setter style, two white flashes cutting through the remaining fog patches, turning into the wind, straining for a competitive advantage, slamming into point, backing without a moment's hesitation, steady to wing, shot and the fall of game, accurate retrieving ... this was the sort of work one always wants to see. Andrew Melisi's Conte (PD) was another stylish goer, with its high head and eye-catching productions. But for some unsteadiness at the fall of game this dog may well have been placed. The extra temptations in a shooting field trial (the shot, the fall of game, the retrieve/seek dead on a bird shot seconds before) are the criteria that separate the Closed Season non - shooting trial format from the Open Season shooting format, and a dog that can handle both formats well is indeed a tough & worthy competitor.
Such was the case today, with Alan Willey's Closed Season Field Champion Abbey coming through to win. No dog was going to be her match on this day as she produced 6 times in her two runs, retrieved flawlessly, backed in a flash and consistently took the front running - a tough competitor indeed. This was the first win ever by a Western Australian dog in a Victorian P&S field trial.
John Nash Memorial Field Trial 2009 placegetters. Judge: Barry Oliver
Winner: Alan Willey's F Ch (CS) Ywurrie Rani PB (Abbey)
Runner up: Henry Foster's F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW (CS) PD (Major)
Third: Taner Ozsehitoglu's Gamemaster Evans ISD (Brandy)
Click HERE to see photos of the John Nash Memorial Field Trial 2009
WGAA National P&S Field Trial 27/6/09
The SSAA Working Gundogs National Field Trial was conducted in the North West of the State under ideal field trialling conditions. 9 hard going dogs (8 pointers and 1 Irish setter) and handlers from three States vied for the title of National Field Trial Winner (NFTW). Trial entries have suffered a little this year as a result of the drought, with many dogs not being ready, but those that have entered have been battle hardened trial competitors and this event was no exception.
With a steady, cool breeze blowing throughout the event, dogs were given multiple opportunities to be tested on game, and throughout the day over 25 finds were registered, many of them demonstrating the best features of pointer & setter work. In WGAA events dogs must have at least 2 finds, 2 retrieves or seek deads and back when a clear opportunity is offered. With the amount of game on offer in the vast stubble paddocks these requirements were not a problem. What did cause problems were the fast running birds. In the thin stubble and direct drilled new crop the birds were able to cover big distances in a short time - a fact which tested many dogs.
When lunchtime arrived 4 dogs remained in contention for National honours - Taner Ozsehitoglu's Brandy (ISD), Henry Foster's Major (PD), Vince Pino's Diesel (PD) and Andrew Melisi's Conte (PD). The final two heats saw some excellent pointer & setter work from these 4 dogs - work one expects to see in a National event. The paddock we were now competing in was no cakewalk and birds were able to run and run, requiring a dog to be well up on its finds and to road and produce quickly and accurately.
The two top dogs on the Judge's card at this stage were the pointer, Major, and the Irish, Brandy. Both these dogs had done some breathtaking work, but in the end it was the more expreienced Major, the import from Northern Ireland, who produced two more smart finds, productions and retrieves that saw him take the honours on the day. Runner up went to the Irish, who was also awarded the Best Novice Dog award. No third place was awarded. (Diesel was credited with a total of 9 finds on the day but some poor shooting by Vince, normally an excellent shot, saw him unable to fill his card.)
Results 2009 SSAA P&S National: Judge Barry Oliver
Winner - H&L Foster's F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Eire) NFTW (CS) PD (Major)
Runner up & Best Novice Dog - Taner Ozsehitoglu 's Gamemaster Evans ISD (Brandy)
Click here to see photos.
With a steady, cool breeze blowing throughout the event, dogs were given multiple opportunities to be tested on game, and throughout the day over 25 finds were registered, many of them demonstrating the best features of pointer & setter work. In WGAA events dogs must have at least 2 finds, 2 retrieves or seek deads and back when a clear opportunity is offered. With the amount of game on offer in the vast stubble paddocks these requirements were not a problem. What did cause problems were the fast running birds. In the thin stubble and direct drilled new crop the birds were able to cover big distances in a short time - a fact which tested many dogs.
When lunchtime arrived 4 dogs remained in contention for National honours - Taner Ozsehitoglu's Brandy (ISD), Henry Foster's Major (PD), Vince Pino's Diesel (PD) and Andrew Melisi's Conte (PD). The final two heats saw some excellent pointer & setter work from these 4 dogs - work one expects to see in a National event. The paddock we were now competing in was no cakewalk and birds were able to run and run, requiring a dog to be well up on its finds and to road and produce quickly and accurately.
The two top dogs on the Judge's card at this stage were the pointer, Major, and the Irish, Brandy. Both these dogs had done some breathtaking work, but in the end it was the more expreienced Major, the import from Northern Ireland, who produced two more smart finds, productions and retrieves that saw him take the honours on the day. Runner up went to the Irish, who was also awarded the Best Novice Dog award. No third place was awarded. (Diesel was credited with a total of 9 finds on the day but some poor shooting by Vince, normally an excellent shot, saw him unable to fill his card.)
Results 2009 SSAA P&S National: Judge Barry Oliver
Winner - H&L Foster's F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Eire) NFTW (CS) PD (Major)
Runner up & Best Novice Dog - Taner Ozsehitoglu 's Gamemaster Evans ISD (Brandy)
Click here to see photos.
Monday, 8 June 2009
Western Australia Closed Season Trials 2009
The WA Closed Season Working Gundogs Pointer &Setter Trials for 2009 saw the full gamut of trial experiences. 4 trials were conducted but only 2 managed to end with results. The first two events were run under generally good conditions, but as the weather warmed up the competing dogs found the going increasingly tough. This warm weather (the last trial was held on the warmest Perth day for 25 years – 26 degrees!) combined with the often sparse cover combined to undo the best endeavours of man and dog. However, field trials are run under natural conditions and dogs and handlers have to be able to cope with whatever is present on the day.
The first event was conducted in a huge paddock of wheat stubble that held a plenty of evenly spaced game. The dogs produced some excellent work and by late morning Alan Willee’s pointer bitch and Henry Foster’s pointer dog were awarded first and second place respectively. The following day saw a change of venue and again some quality pointer & setter work was produced by Alan’s pointer which was duly awarded first place. No other placings were awarded.
With the weather warming up the remaining two trials were something of a letdown considering the quality work that had been produced on the first two days. Dry runs, mishandling of game, control problems ... the quality of the work took a severe drubbing and no results were the order of the day.
Overall the Western Australian 4 day event was a success. Competitors flew in from 3 States to compete in the closed season format, the venues for both competition and training were the result of a lot of hard work by the organisers and the hospitality provided by the WA hosts was second to none.
The first event was conducted in a huge paddock of wheat stubble that held a plenty of evenly spaced game. The dogs produced some excellent work and by late morning Alan Willee’s pointer bitch and Henry Foster’s pointer dog were awarded first and second place respectively. The following day saw a change of venue and again some quality pointer & setter work was produced by Alan’s pointer which was duly awarded first place. No other placings were awarded.
With the weather warming up the remaining two trials were something of a letdown considering the quality work that had been produced on the first two days. Dry runs, mishandling of game, control problems ... the quality of the work took a severe drubbing and no results were the order of the day.
Overall the Western Australian 4 day event was a success. Competitors flew in from 3 States to compete in the closed season format, the venues for both competition and training were the result of a lot of hard work by the organisers and the hospitality provided by the WA hosts was second to none.
Click here to see a slideshow from the trials.
WGAA (Vic) 23 & 24 May Trials.
As if the drought isn’t making things tough for bird dog owners and trial enthusiasts, the trials themselves are bedevilling things with two no results occurring at the Working Gundog May trials. The Saturday event was held deep in Victoria’s Western district and was judged by South Australian Lance Bailey Hill. Over 35 birds were seen, but none of the competing dogs were able to produce enough quality work to satisfy the man with the judging sheets. Trials are not meant to be easy and there is no value in awarding placings if the quality is not present, and this was the case on this occasion.The following day was a similar story with dogs having difficulty handling game, and no one was surprised when the judge, this time another South Australian, John Kersley, pulled the pin early in the afternoon. Just why these trials went downhill is difficult to say. No doubt the continuing drought is having an effect on both dogs and game. However, on occasions on both days various dogs did produce some fine work ... it just goes to show that trials can be fickle affairs.
Friday, 1 May 2009
WGAA VIC & WGAA NSW Trial Weekend
With the Pointer & Setter field trial season in full swing, two trials have been conducted at the time of writing. Saturday 25th saw the traditional Anzac Day trial (open this year to all pointing breeds) take place in Victoria’s Western District. A minutes silence at 7 am was followed by a tough event in in a native grass and stubble paddock that held a good number of birds. Weather conditions were wet and windy – excellent for the dogs, but not so good for some of the handlers who were caught out with the rain – who could blame them?
At around 2pm the judge, Denis Everard had seen enough, and Henry Foster’s pointer dog F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW (CS) was awarded first place over Vince Pino’s pointer dog Ft Ch Rocca Diesel and Panos Papas’ pointer dog Similax Brio was awarded third place.
The following day saw the NSW WGAA Branch conduct its inaugural pointer & setter trial in Victoria (quail hunting has been closed in NSW and shooting trials are unable to be conducted at present – a situation we all hope is reversed in the near future). The venue, near Ballarat, was an excellent stubble paddock. The birds were very wild, a situation brought about in no doubt by the wind that was getting stronger by the minute, and most dogs were having great difficulty scenting and holding game. Stubble, high winds and running birds can often be a tricky combination. The judge, Vince Guastella from NSW, was very mindful of the problems and was generous in his judgement.However, the large number of ‘bumped’ birds eventually could not be overlooked and a no result was the only logical outcome.
Despite the disappointing result on the second day, the weekend was a great success. Old friendships renewed, hard going dogs, wild weather, game birds ... who could ask for more?
At around 2pm the judge, Denis Everard had seen enough, and Henry Foster’s pointer dog F Ch (CS) Koram Kris at Innistona (Imp Ire) NFTW (CS) was awarded first place over Vince Pino’s pointer dog Ft Ch Rocca Diesel and Panos Papas’ pointer dog Similax Brio was awarded third place.
The following day saw the NSW WGAA Branch conduct its inaugural pointer & setter trial in Victoria (quail hunting has been closed in NSW and shooting trials are unable to be conducted at present – a situation we all hope is reversed in the near future). The venue, near Ballarat, was an excellent stubble paddock. The birds were very wild, a situation brought about in no doubt by the wind that was getting stronger by the minute, and most dogs were having great difficulty scenting and holding game. Stubble, high winds and running birds can often be a tricky combination. The judge, Vince Guastella from NSW, was very mindful of the problems and was generous in his judgement.However, the large number of ‘bumped’ birds eventually could not be overlooked and a no result was the only logical outcome.
Despite the disappointing result on the second day, the weekend was a great success. Old friendships renewed, hard going dogs, wild weather, game birds ... who could ask for more?
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