Kaitaia's Merv Cameron, with Clyde, took out the top spot in the sheep dog trial at the Bay of Islands Show at Waimate North on Saturday with a respectable 96 point effort.
In his review of proceedings, Merv noted a more than respectable total of 40 dogs - of both experienced and rookie variety - contested the well organised trial in the back corner of the show, behind the stand of puriri tries, and they were definitely put through their paces by their woolly adversaries.
"The sheep were quite unforgiving to any dogs that made quick moves or showed weakness in their direction," he said adding judge Claire Thomson, "who must have been pretty cold at times", was kept busy with consistent ongoing runs to score.
The forecasted thunderstorms didn't eventuate for the 174th Bay of Islands Show, allowing a huge crowd to once again fill the lovely grounds at Waimate North, and it was particularly pleasing to see a number of new faces having a go.
"In talking to them later, it made you realise how nervous one could be in performing for the first time."