Club stalwart recognised

Retired farmer Ralph Harper, now of Havelock North, after being presented with a distinguished service award at the the 2016 Hawke's Bay Sheep Dog Trial Centre awards. Photo / Doug Laing

The Hawke's Bay Sheep Dog Trial Centre has recognised the service of one of its most evergreen supporters with the presentation of a Merit Award at the Centre's annual prizegiving ceremony.

It was presented to Okawa club trials stalwart Ralph Harper who rarely competes, but yet calls on a family history with the club dating back 82 years.

It was in 1934 that father Lyle competed at the new club's first trial, and almost 53 years later that Ralph Harper, encouraged by cousin and dog trialler Norm Harper became the secretary.

It was in 1999 that the club was suddenly left without a course after a change in the ownership of the property where it staged its trials off Ohiti Rd, and Ralph Harper pitched in to make land available on his property off Matapiro Rd, before setting about heading the fundraising to move the club's building.

He continues helping at the club and Taradale trials.

The season and the awards were a major triumph for Waikoau club member Dave Wallace, who nailed five trophies, with dog Blue's successes including being top heading dog for the season with a title record of 40pts, and the short head and yard at the centre championships at Patoka in March.

Centre awards:

Top heading dog (K.Black, S.Douglas, A Lopdell, I.Lopdell Tray): Dave Wallace, Blue.
Top huntaway (W.A.Taylor Tray): Rocky Hawkins, Toss.
Top dog in long head events (Hastings RSA Tray): Bob Bruce, Cheat.
Top dog in short head and yard (Hastings RSA Tray): Dave Wallace, Blue.
Top dog zig zag hunts (Hastings RSA Tray): Tom Manson, Cash.
Top dog in straight hunts (Hastings RSA): Ben Thomas, Zeus.
Most points with one heading dogs and one huntaway (Barry Wallace Cup): Rocky Hawkins, Jean.

Waikoau club sheep dog triallist Dave Wallace displays his collection of silverware, winning all five trophies with sheep dog Blue. Photo / Doug Laing

Centre championships awards:

Long head (W.Tucker Cup): Rocky Hawkins, Jean.
Short head and yard (Hawke's Bay Centre Cup): Dave Wallace, Blue.
Zig zag hunt (R.S.Booker Cup): Clark Chrystal, Nell.
Straight hunt (Hawke's Bay Centre Cup): Clark Chrystal, Nell.
Most points head and pull with same dog on the first run, heading events at centre championships (Dolbel Memorial Cup): Dave Wallace, Blue.
Most same day points heading events first runs (W.C.A.McKenzie): Dave Wallace, Blue.
Most points one heading dog and one huntaway over four first runs (Leo Lopdell Memorial Cup): Peter Williams, Trump.
Highest qualifying run (Alex Stead Memorial Tray): Tom Manson, Cash.
Top Club (Glenhope Romney Shield): Waikoau.