Sheep dog trials avoid Cyclone Cook

Rob Mather with Posh manages to pen these three rams. Photo / File

Wairarapa Southern Hawke's Bay held their centre championships at the Alfredton Club from April 6-9.

With the threat of Cyclone Debbie looming, and showers on opening on Thursday, the weather came good with an outstanding day for the centre runoffs on Sunday.

Judges came from the Taranaki, King Country, and two from Whanganui.

Newcomer to the district, Art Eastham, had his second win of the season with Finnegan in the long head.

He was joined by two other Wairarapa old heads, John Bartlett and Gary Smith.

Bideford bred George Falloon travelled down from Otupae Station, Taihape to take the Zig Zag with Wag.

The Aerospread Top Dog Competition, heading, is currently held by John Bartlett and Honk, with 22 points, with Nigel Clark and Jan second equal with Stuart Ross and Badger.

The Aerospread Top Dog, huntaway, is Simon Prouting and Vince, 18 points, 2 Tim Hunter and Rusty, 17 points, and 3 Adam Roe and Occy, 16 points.

Alfredton Club had a horror preparation for their annual trial, which also coincided with hosting the Wairarapa Centre Championships. Cyclone Debbie left extremely wet paddocks and meant that the intended sheep were unable to get to the trial ground. So, a quick whip around the district and sheep were offered for the club to use.

Unfortunately they were not able to be worked in preparation but it meant that the show could go on.

Given the circumstances, many clubs would have cancelled or postponed their trial.

Bideford bred George Falloon returned to steal the Zig Zag Hunt win, his first open win.
Corey Caseley took another second continuing what has been a consistent season for him, featuring with both a heading dog and huntaways.

John Bartlett with Honk lengthened their lead to 22 points in the Top Heading Dog.
Nigel Clark with Jan moved up in to second equal with Stuart Ross and Badger.

The gaps closed up in the Huntaway - Simon Prouting and Vince still lead but only by one point. Second is Tim Hunter with Rusty on 17 then Adam Roe and Occy third on 16.