Judge John Harvey, from Martinborough, was kept warm walking up and down judging each run.
Wayne Falkner from Marton judged the Tux yarding challenge and Elaine Bismark, Wanganui Centre archives officer, was his timekeeper.
Four Wanganui trialists made the final, including first-time finalists Helen Worsfold, from Kimbolton, with Flynn, and Mike Sugden and Scout who moved into the centre last year from Hawke's Bay.
Veteran Hunterville dog man Keith Berrett and Abby were the top qualifiers on Thursday but ended up seventh in the final.
Bob Berger from Putaruru, a regular competitor around the Tux circuit, would have been thrilled to get three dogs through to the final, where they all placed in the top six.
Unfortunately, Raetihi's Bruce Parkinson with Ash was unable to make it back for the runoff.
Mr Evans acknowledged the club's appreciation to the Henderson family for the use of their sheep and land, noting that they carried sheep over so the event could take place.
Kitchen ladies Ann Evans and Colleen Fenemor, despite having to cope with six days without power leading into the event and having no power at the venue until the day the trial started, did a wonderful job of keeping the food up to the hungry travellers and competitors.
Jordan Findlay, a Smedley Station cadet from Hawke's Bay, won the maiden/novice section and will represent the Wanganui Centre at the Tux Yarding Challenge Championships at Taumaranui later in the season.
Results Tux Yarding Challenge: 1, P Evans & Dee 99.5 points; 2, L Jecentho & Smoke 99; 3, B Berger & Rose 98.5; 4, B Berger & Lad 97; 5, K O'Connor & Jo 96.5; 6, B Berger & Biddy 95.75; 7, K Berrett & Abby 93; 8, L Geering & Prince 92.5; 9, H Worsfold & Flynn 90;'10, M Sugden & Scout 89; 11, G Northcott & Dick 88; 12, N Sinton & Sticky 87; 13, D Avenall & McCaw 86.5; 14, L Gratten & Crew 86; 15, G Ryder & Skip 50; 16, B Parkinson & Ash.
Open/maiden: Thursday - L Gratten & Brook 93.5; Friday - P Williams & Guide 96.5. Saturday - Gavin Cottle & Jill 96.
Trans-Tasman results Thursday: 1, G Northcott & Julz 94; 2, M Sugden & Rob 88.5; 3, I Burling & Jed 88. Maiden dog: G Strawbridge & Boss 75. Friday: 1, I Rau & Dixie 94.5; 2, B Bruce & Cheat 93; 3, P Evans & Bryte 92.5. Maiden dog: B Bruce & Jaco 89.5. Saturday: 1, B Berger & Rose 96; 2, J Avenall & Fly 94.5; 3, G Duff & Jess 93. Maiden dog: H Ingles & Pip 69.