While local participants were conspicuous by their absence from the top placings, the Far North fraternity could still celebrate the success of a trio of Whangārei-based competitors who enjoyed great success at the national sheep dog trial championships in Blenheim last week.
The standout performances came — not surprisingly — from the accomplished Child brothers, Neville and Murray, who picked up first and second placings in the long head final with Harry (scoring 94 plus 95 for a total of 189 points), and Dice (95.5, 93, 188.5) respectively, while Scott McRae and Corey from Wellsford finished fifth (94.5, 91, 185.5).
Veteran Kaitaia triallist Merv Cameron was unable to make it to the event due to other commitments but congratulated all three, particularly Neville.
"I was ecstatic as about four years ago as a fundraiser for our club, I auctioned a young dog which was eight-and-a-half months old and it was bought by Neville. It was Harry! Harry was a very talented dog when I trained him, always giving his best to please and showing exceptional ability in working sheep," Cameron said.
"I must say Neville has really taken Harry to new heights and he is now in his peak years and a lot more will be heard of him in years to come."
Cameron said Neville would be over the moon to get the prestigious green tie [given to the winners of national championship titles], having actually won a green tie a few year's ago with Deal — "Harry's grandfather of all dogs" — only to lose it when his vehicle was the target of theft at a motel in Wellington.
