Richard White, Gavin Smith & Chase, Graeme Wellington & Rachel, Paul Evans & Richie, Brian Burke & Stone, Jonathon Smailes & Fig, Judge Dave Evans, & timekeeper Margaret Evans
Photo / Supplied
Richard White, Gavin Smith & Chase, Graeme Wellington & Rachel, Paul Evans & Richie, Brian Burke & Stone, Jonathon Smailes & Fig, Judge Dave Evans, & timekeeper Margaret Evans
Photo / Supplied
The Otairi-Pukeroa Club Trial held in conjunction with the Property Brokers Wanganui Centre Championships at Otiwhiti Station in the Turakina Valley over the weekend saw the club season in the centre come to an end.
It was a very well attended trial, supported by many scrambling for those final qualifying points, which would give them the chance to attend the South Island Champs from May 6 at Hanmer Springs, and the Tux North Island & New Zealand Championships in Ohaeawai commencing on May 27.
The runoff of the top five centre competitors in the four events took place on Sunday in beautiful early autumn weather.
The composite lambs on the heads, were true to form, very difficult to liberate, the dogs who handled them put up some great runs, even if they didn't make the runoff.
Lawrence Patterson and Swag from the Mangamahu club drew the last straw in the runoff in the shorthead and went for it. The brilliant display of man and dog working together saw the pair win the centre shorthead by a huge margin. Ray Morris and Tye from Ruahine were the only other pair to pen, Ray needed points with Tye and also made the zig-zag hunt runoff with Shade.
Top qualifiers in the longhead, Brian Burke and Stone from the Paparangi club, won the first round with 98 points, only to draw rouge lambs in the runoff and finish down the order. Centre president Paul Evans and Bryte took out the open Shorthead but failed to pen.
Jonathon Smailes & Havoc in full flight
Photo / Supplied
Graham Wellington and Rachel from the Parapara/Makirikiri club won the centre longhead runoff and took out the top dog with 46 points.
Jonathon Smailes from Ruahine, had a great trial winning the zig-zag open and taking out the centre in that same event with Havoc, his spectacular huntaway. Jonathon also placed in the straight hunt with Havoc and qualified Fig, his heading dog in the longhead.
There were four Otairi/Otiwhiti shepherds who featured in the huntaway centre runoffs, which was a great effort. Sam Duncan, while not featuring in the open straight hunt, finished second in the centre close behind Dave Stuart with Jazz, who took the title.
Bruce Parkinson and Tune from the Raetihi club are the top centre huntaway pair with 23 points.
Full acknowledgement and credit must go to Wanganui Property Brokers for coming in at very short notice to sponsor the Centre Champs. Mark Lourie (lifestyle real estate agent and avid dog trialist) initiated the move and got his boss on board. Centre President Paul Evans expressed the centre's appreciation and the indication is that Property Brokers will be on board again next year.
Open Results:
Class 1: 1, B Burke & Stone 98; 2, G Wellington & Rachel 97; 3, J Smailes & Fig 96.5; 4, G Smith & Chase 93; 5, P Evans & Richie 92.5. Intermediate: J Smailes & Fig 96.5. Maiden: N Tipling & Mouse 85.
Class 2: 1, P Evans & Bryte 97.5; 2, W Falkner & Roz 96.5; 3, L Patterson & Swag 95.5; 4, S Whiteman & Reign 95; 5, R Morris & Tye 94.5. Intermediate: L Schmidt & Jed 93.5. Maiden: J Broard & Bell 83.5
Class 3: 1, J Smailes & Havoc 97; 2, R Morris & Shade 96.75; 3, R Hawkins & Box 95.25; 4, A Lock & Bet 95.25; 5, R Howell & Fuse 95. Intermediate: J Smailes & Havoc 97. Maiden: A Lock & Bet 95.25.
Class 4: 1, G Heard & Sky 98; 2, J Smailes & Havoc 97; 3, D Stuart & Jazz 96.75; 4, M Watson & Thor 96.5; 5, W Clare & Barney 96.25. Intermediate: J Smailes & Havoc 97. Maiden: S Duncan & Sky 96.2.
Centre Runoff:
Class 1: 1,G Wellington & Rachel 97 + 96.5 193.5; 2, P Evans & Richie 92.5 + 93.5 186; 3, J Smailes & Fig 96.5 + 85 181.5; 4, G Smith & Chase 93+70 163; 5, B Burke & Stone 98+59 157.
Class 2: 1, L Patterson & Swag 95.5+ 96 191.5; 2, R Morris & Tye 94.5 + 83.5 178; 3, P Evans & Bryte 97.5 + 61 158.5; 4, W Falkner & Roz 96.5 + 56 152.5; 5, S Whiteman & Reign 95+ 31.5 126.5.
Class 3: 1, J Smailes & Havoc 97.5+ 97 194.5; 2, R Morris & Shade 96.75+ 92 188.75; 3, A Lock & Kate 95.5+ 90.3 185.8; 4, R Howell & Fuse 95+83 178; 5, A Lock & Bet 95.25+ 63 158.25.
Class 4: 1, D Stuart & Jazz 96.75 + 96.75 193.5; 2, S Duncann & Sky 96.2+ 96.75 192.95; 3, W Clare & Barney 96.25 + 95 191.25; 4, J Smailes & Havoc 94+ 97 191; 5, G Heard & Sky 98+68 166.
