Bob 'the Burglar' Berghan lived up to his nickname by stealing the limelight at the North Island run off of the Tux Yarding Challenge in Kaitaia on Saturday.
With bitch Biddy in top form at the Kaitaia A&P Showground, the Putaruru pair scored 97 points to narrowly hold off Ohingaiti Paul Evans with Richie and Hawkes Bay's Peter Williams and Guide.
In his review of the final day's result, local triallist/ event spokesman Merv Cameron noted only half a point ended up separating the above-mentioned three combinations in the final.
Berger and Biddy now go forward to the national final at Seddon in mid January, said Cameron, before turning his eyes tto the other standouts in the various North Island championships up for grabs at the three-day event.
Smedley cadet Shaun Tahu with Bo won the North Island maiden competition from Aaron Gaiteau with Ben and Chris Harris with Flint; while in the Handy Dog huntaway event, Matt Watson with Thor produced a very good 98-point effort to hold off Craig Pearson and Ben with last year's winner, Noddy Halley and Jade, close behind.