Among others was Taihape competitor John Batley, whose property will host the North Island and National championships at Moawhango, starting on May 25.
Entries at the Taradale trials last Friday and Saturday were even less, possibly reflecting other commitments competitors may have had during the school holidays.
Among the standout performers was Kevin O'Connor's Jo, which claimed the long head, although still an intermediate. He and the dog backed up with a second placing at Te Aute.
Results from the Te Aute Sheep Dog Trial Club trials on Tuesday and yesterday:
Long head: Bob Bruce, Skip, 96pts, 1; John Foss, Dell, 95.5pts, 2; Rocky Hawkins, Ted, 95pts, 3; Paul Robinson, Libby, 94.75pts, 4; Graeme Northcott, Dick, 94.5pts. Intermediate: John Batley, Pam. Maiden: Dave Andrews, Richard II.
Short head and yard: Bob Bryson, Brad, 97.5pts, 1; Kevin O'Connor, Jo, 97pts, 2; Dave Wallace, Toi, 96pts, 3; Graeme Northcott, Hope, 95pts, 4; Clark Chrystal, Boyd, 94.5pts, 5. Intermediate: Nigel Clark, Mary. Maiden: Nigel Clark, Jan.
Zig zag hunt: Clark Chrystal, Trix, 98pts, 1; Rob Kjestrup, Ash, 97.5pts, 2; Gordon Martinovich, Punga, 96.5pts, 3; Jo Waugh, Bess, 96.25pts, 4; Don White, Mist, 96pts, 5. Intermediate: Gordon Martinovich, Punga. Maiden: Barney Chrystal, Jemma.
Straight hunt: Guy Bryson, Bronk, 97.5pts, 1; Rocky Hawkins, Trix, 95.5pts, 2; Bob Bruce, Hood, 95pts, 3; Rocky Hawkins, 94.5pts, 4; John Batly, 94.25pts, 5. Intermediate: Guy Bryson, Bronk. Maiden: Harold Woodmass, Jess.
Results from the Taradale Sheep Dog Trial Club results on April 17-18:
Long head: Kevin O'Connor, Jo, 95pts, 1; Dave Wallace, Blue, 93.5pts, 2; Bob Bruce, Skip, 93pts, 3; Don Avenell, McCaw, 92.5pts, 4; Bob Bryson, Rodger, 91.5pts, 5. Intermediate: Kevin O'Connor, Jo. Maiden: Graham Duff, Jess.
Short head and yard: Rocky Hawkins, Ted, 96pts, 1; Laurie Horsfall, Raid, 95.5pts, 2; Bob Bryson, Rex, 93pts, 3; Steve Ponsonby, Dag, 91pts, 4; Bruce D'Ath, Pip, 90.5pts, 5. Intermediate: Steve Ponsonby, Dag. Maiden: Graham Duff, Jess.
Zig zag hunt: Tim Lamont, Bounce, 94pts, 1; Graham Duff, Mate, 93pts, 2; Barney Chrystal, Carbo, 92.75pts, 3; Grant Magee, Crib, 92.5pts, 4; Reece Whitelock, Girl, 92pts, 5. Intermediate: Tim Lamont, Bounce. Maiden: Mark Murphy, Ben.
Straight hunt: Reece Whitelock, Scott, 95pts, 1; Sandy Campbell, Lou, 94pts, 2; Ruth McKay, Tank, 93.5pts, 3; Bex Barnes, Biddy, 93.25pts, 4; Grant Magee, Crib, 93.1pts, 5. Intermediate: Reece Whitelock, Scott. Maiden: Sandy Campbell, Lou.