WORKING DOGS: David Howells and Wyverne Pip Berwyn hill champions

The dogs ran out right handed, down a bank and across a stream before heading up hill, through a gateway and onto the mountain. Here, they kept right and ran sharply uphill to find their packet of seven Welsh Mountain ewes waiting for them, some 900 yards from the handlers post.

Once lifted, the sheep were brought down hill and turned across the face of the mountain where they were driven 400 yards before being turned left handed and down through the fetch gates and field gate. At this point, the handlers stopped their dogs and asked for a look back for the second packet.

All dogs found their first packet will relative ease and a degree of handler of help and all brought them back to drop off point with little issue.

Although obliging, the sheep did need the dogs to be in a steady, purposeful contact to make the best of them.

The second packet of sheep, also set out as a seven, and this time with three with collars, were out of sight of the dogs for the majority of the outrun. They were placed a further 900 yards away from the turn back point and this, very tricky outrun caused a number of issues all day.

Ricky Hutchinson and his dog Jonah brought both their packets down well after hesitant outruns both sides where Jonah needed Ricky's assurance that there were indeed sheep to find.

Once in contact, the packets flowed back down the course under lovely control. They were picked up and driven along the crossdrive with little issue to the shedding ring. Here, the spectators were treated to a masterclass in shedding as Ricky and Jonah worked together beautifully to whittle the 14 ewes down to four for the pen. This strong finish saw them gain 3^rd place overall.

Second place went to Bledden Lester and Nantcelyn Jet.

Running after the sheep had been turned, Jet left the post and ran too deep in the first field to gain a clean outrun, but quickly redeemed herself with a better finish, collecting her sheep and bringing them back well. With a good turn back and a single whistle out, she found her second packet equally easily.

She and Bleddyn put up a super run that belied their experience so far and finished to a loud round of applause.

The top two places were tight between them and David Howells and Wyverne Pip who had run early in the day.

However, with two superb outruns, Pip had secured enough points to stay ahead and also won the cash prize for the best outruns of the day.

Marchup Ann wins first open title at Alston

England: Elaine Hill       

Arthur Temple's Marchup Ann took her first open title at Alston last Saturday, June 17.

Set over a flat playing field with the river Tyne flowing along the right hand side, the course had a fetch of about 200 yards and was gathered either way.

Running was on packets of four smart Blackface gimmer hoggs, which could be testing, but would respond when worked in an assertive yet kind manner.

Although there were only two clean pens, the majority of packets would pen if given time. Stuart Wallace judged the entry of 53 dogs.

David Henderson and Cemig Jewel, the winners of this trial in 2021 and 2022, took the lead with run 27. They dropped a couple of points from their outrun and their lift before line deviations cost a further seven points. Finishing clean at the pen and the split gave them a score of 89 points, which won them the cup for best local.

Arthur ran Ann (A. Throup's Marchup Lyn and J. Goulder's Chap) at 34. Smooth coated Ann had a clean right hand gather before losing one point from her lift.

She kept her sheep settled as the came down the fetch to lose three points for minor wavers. In quiet control, Ann took her sheep nicely down the first leg of the left hand drive and had a tight turn into the cross-drive where many went wide.

Over the cross-drive, the hoggs tended to pull towards the exhaust pen which was situated well away into the bottom right hand corner of the field. Ann kept her packet on line and caught the last obstacle well. Three points were deducted from her driving.

Arthur and Ann were the second competitors to have a clean pen, before two points were deducted from their split giving a score of 91 points. After gaining several placings, this was Ann's her first open win.

Of the three entries in the brace class, Helena Svobodova with Tray and Wicky had the best outfield work and were the only ones to finish and consequently they took the trophy.

Helena also won the trophy for best lady handler, running Mia in the open class. With Scott and Belle, Philip Walton won the aggregate trophy, gaining the highest points with his two dogs combined scores. He also won best pen with Scott.

This well supported annual trial was initially organised by the local community in 1946 to raise money for the soldiers returning home from the second world war. Now, the money raised from entries, catering and a raffle goes to local charities and worthy causes. This year, £523 was raised and donated to the special care baby units at Middlesborough and Carlisle, with Nora, the granddaughter of the trial's secretary, Philip Walton, receiving care at Middlesborough and later Carlisle after being born three months premature.

First trial win for Vicky Shearer and Viking Misty

Scotland: Sine Robertson  

Vicky Shearer and Viking Misty earned their first trial win with a long lead at Tomatin where lively gimmers challenged experienced handlers. The Texel crosses generally behaved reasonably on the flat course, but were not easily penned and some packets played up.

Misty ran out on a nice, wide line and although she took a little time to lift her packet, she fetched them on a good line, turned them neatly round Vicky and drove them away steadily. The cross drive was a little high, but Misty turned them down and through the gate. Her turn was not neat, but she worked hard at the pen to prevent breaks and secured her packet. The shed took time, but Vicky waited for the chance to make a good shed and the pair earned their first win.   

Walkerburn

At Walkerburn, mule gimmers ran well on the flat field, if not upset at the lift, but were otherwise less cooperative on the fetch and at the pen.

Tyler McKinlay's Hearthstane Squiggle ran out and lifted cleanly, had slight wavers on the fetch and on the cross drive, but finished the winning run with clean work at hand, the best finish of the day and Tyler's first open win, narrowly grasped on outbye from Cameron Dickson's Tom.

Tom ran out and lifted very well and had a good fetch and drive. Patience with an awkward mule paid off at the pen and let the packet settle for a very good shed. Tom matched Squiggle's points, in second place, with a clear gap behind.

Blairgowrie

Elinore Nilsson's Midderry Kid led the charge at Blairgowrie, where freshly clipped mule gimmers could face dogs at the pen and the better dogs showed themselves on the rough, gently downhill sloping course.

Kid worked very well and led a very high scoring list, with the top six dogs within five points of each other.

English results

ALSTON, Tyne Willow Playing Fields, Alston, Cumbria, (Judge, S. Wallace, Rothbury) Open (53 ran) 1, A. Temple (Holmrook) Marchup Ann, 91 of 100; 2, D. Henderson (Allendale) Cemig Jewel, 89; 3, T. Iley (Longframlington) Mac, 88; 4, M. Northwood (East Woodburn) Norman, 85; 5, F. Whitfield (Quebec) Jock, 85; 6, G. Fearon (Borrowdale) Dave, 83. Best run before 1pm, D. Henderson, Cemig Jewel; Best Lady and the breeder of the highest pointed dog or bitch, H. Svobodova, Mia; Best Drive and Youngest Competitor M. Fearon (Borrowdale) Jill; Best Pen and Aggregate P. Walton (Hethersgill) Scott and Belle and Best Pen, Scott; Best Shed C. Cassie (Armathwaite) Fellside Pip; Best Style and Command A. Temple, Marchup Ann; Best Local D. Henderson, Cemig Jewel; (Judges, A. Ridley, Blanchland and L. Archer, Allendale) Brace (3 ran) 1, H. Svobodova, Tray and Wicky. Friday Evening Local (Judge, D. Barker, Ousby) (17 ran) 1, M. Elliott (Alston) Nell; 2, D. Henderson, Burndale Lexi; 3, H. Svobodova, Mia.

TRAWDEN, Summer Hill Trial, Twiston Moor, Twiston, Clitheroe, Lancashire, (Judge, M. Metcalfe, Wharton) Open (48 ran) 1, R. Hutchinson (Littledale) Jonah, 91 of 100; 2, C. Mellin (Oakworth) Pentre Bet, 90; 3, S. Perello (Spain) Shadwell Jey, 89; 4, M. Hutchinson (Littledale) Katie, 86; 5, Stephen Duckworth (Haslingden) Fleet, 84; 6, Shirley Duckworth (Haslingden) Harry, 82.

NORTHUMBERLAND League, Thornton Tower, (Judge, J. J. Pattinson, Bardon Mill) Open (40 ran) 1, Thomas Longton (Quernmore) Luna, 75 of 100; 2, M. Davidson (Alnwick) Heather, 69; 3, R. Macrae (Netherwitton) Oats, 69; 4, T. Bennett (Malton) Belle, 68; 5, H. Svobodova, Tray, 60 OLF; 6, C. Cassie, Sean, 60; Novice 1, T. Bennett, Belle.

MID-SHIRES, Eastcote, Solihull, (Judge, Tim Longton, Quernmore) Double Gather Open 1, N. Vyas (John O'Gaunt) Cap, 114 of 160; 2, P. Johnson (Burton on Trent) Sooty, 111; 3, J. Watson (Postbridge) Jock, 110; 4, J. Howard (Holme) Lad, 109; 5, S. Mynard (Thrapston) Skye, 109; 6, K. Broad (Carmarthen) Kinloch Levi, 105.

CORNWALL, Roughtor, Camelford, Saturday, (Judge, D. Kennard, Woolacombe) Open Driving (47 ran) 1, R. Hawke (Bishopstone) Chip, 83 of 100; 2, W. Carter (Davidstow) Jill, 82; 3, D. Cole (Ivybridge) Lad, 79; 4, Ray Edwards (Chulmleigh) Astra Gail 77 OLF; 5, W. Carter, Jen, 77; 6, W. Carter, Rob, 74. Maltese cross (Judge, F. Richards, Callington) (25 ran) Open 1, D. Kennard, Glen, 79 of 100; 2, Ray Edwards (Quories Nap, 58; 3, T. Hopper (Veryan) Fern, 56; 4, J. Carter (Delabole) Lad, 40; Novice 1, W. Carter, Bell, 47 of 100; 2, Ray Edwards, Astra Spot, 36; New Handler L. Knight, Jess; Sunday, (Judge, R. Hawke) Open Driving (35 ran) 1, J. Nicholls (Buckland Brewer) Nell, 77 of 100; 2, B. Watson (North Tawton) Fly, 76; 3, W. Carter, Jill, 74; 4, T. Hopper, Pip, 72; 5, D. Cole, Bonnie, 71; 6, Ray Edwards, Astra Gail, 70. Maltese cross (Judge, T. Hopper) (19 ran) Open 1, Ray Edwards, Quories Nap, 80 of 100; 2, R. Hawke, Flame, 72; 3, S. Greenaway (Manaton) Flip, 67; 4, J. Carter, Lad, 65; Novice 1, P. Davies-Russell (Clayhidon) Jac, 75 of 100; 2, R. Hawke, Mirk, 65; 3, J. Nicholls, Lucy, 62; 4, J. Harper (Jacobstow) Patch, 61; New Handler 1, N. Fell, Boss, 67; 2, T. Carter (Wellington) Copper, 35.

Scottish results

BLAIRGOWRIE (Judge, G.C. Gardner, Lesmahagow) Open (59 ran) 1, E. Nilsson (Balintore) Midderry Kid, 98; 2, S.L. Davidson (Sandbank) Dan, 97 Outbye; 3, A. Kent (Dunoon) Myllin Jill, 97; 4, A.D. Carnegie (Comrie) Suus, 96; 5, A. McCulloch (Dalmellington) Sam, 94; 6, S. Martin (Cashlie) Kate, 93;

WEST BOLD, WALKERBURN (Judge: D. Clark, Crawford) Open (50 ran) 1, T. McKinlay (Coulter) Hearthstane Squiggle, 95 Outbye; 2, C. Dickson (Coldingham) Tom, 95; 3, M. Arres (Dryden) Midge, 92 Outbye; 4, I. Fleming (Douglas) Torr, 92 Outbye; 5, I.M. Brownlie (Dunbar) Boyd, 92; 6, K. Donald (Dalrymple) Bob, 89;

 TOMATIN (Judge, A. MacLean, Tain) Open (34 ran) 1, V. Shearer (Westfield) Viking Misty, 87; 2, I. Sutherland (Strathnaver) Cap, 80; 3, M. MacNally (Invergarry) Ash, 75; 4, A. Urquhart (Evanton ) Tess, 74 Outbye; 5, I. Wilkie (Tillypronie) Skye, 74; 6, J. McKillop (Fort Augustus) Zak, 70; Local 1, H. Munro (Inverness) Lil, 81; 2, D. MacKenzie (Inverness) Scott;

RORO (Judge, C. Toner, Drimsynie) Open (30 ran) 1, P. Martin (Glenlyon) Daisy, 88; 2, N. McVicar (Benmore) Mark, 77; 3, A.D. Carnegie (Comrie) Suus, 76, 4, M. Davidson (Lilburn) Angus, 75; 5, A. McCulloch (Dalmellington) Sam, 72; 6, N. McVicar (Benmore) Baledmund Pete, 69; Double Gather 1, A.D. Carnegie (Comrie) Suus, 102 /110; 2, N. McVicar (Benmore) Mark, 100; 3, A. McCulloch (Dalmellington) Risp, 99; 4, P. Martin (Glenlyon) Daisy, 88.

Welsh results

LLANDDEUSANT OPEN SDT, Llanndeusant, (Judge AM: Nataly Matthews), 1, P. Tompkins, Lyn 16; 2, I. Rees, Pentre Meg 17OLF; 3, A. Jenkins, Chez 17; 4, R. Cure, Bet 18; 5, F. Farthing, Sal 19OLF; 6, I. Jones, Erwood Ray 19. (Judge PM: Tony Griffiths), 1, J. Watson, Wren 82; 2, A. Driscoll, Kinloch Taz 80; 3, I. Rees, Pentre Meg 79; 4, P. Tomkins, Fynydd Kylo 77; 5, L. Willians, Catterlen Pip 74OLF; 6, B. C. Lester, Jill 74.

LLANGELYNNIN A'R CLYCH, (S1 Judge: Hafgan Pugh), 1, A. Owen, Llangwm Tom 2, 2, D. Davies, Treflys Ben 2.5; 3, K. Evans, Kemi Jack 3OLF; 4, D. Davies, Sali 3; 5, I. Griffiths, Eglyws Cap 3.5; 6, B. Behr, Bendigedig Leni 4OLF. (S2 Judge: Medwyn L. Evans), 1, H. Evans, Llanfarian Mirk 5OLFD; 2, K. Evans, Kemi Sue 5; 3, G. Davies, Gwyn 5.5OLF; 4, B. Behr, Bendigedig Tara 5.5; 5, B. Davies, Eglwys Troy 6.5. (S3 Judge: Osian Jones), 1, A. Davies, Cynfal Gwen 1; 2, D. Davies, Treflys Ben 2OLF; 3, G. Jones, Max 2; 4, G. Owen, Jess 3; 5, D. Edwards, Jet 4OLF; 6, J. Scriven, Dog 4. Championship, (Judge: Jim Scriven), 1, K. Evans, Kemi Sue 9; 2, D. Davies, Treflys Ben 14; 3, G. Jones, Max 15; 4, K. Evans, Kemi Jack 19; 5, H. Jones, Lllllanfarian Mirk 20; 6, B. Davies, Eglwys Troy 22.

BERWYN DFF CHAMPIONSHIP, Llanarmon (Judge: Dylan Davies), 1, D. Howells, Wyverne Pip 17; 2, B. C. Lester, Nantcelyn Jet 18; 3, R. Hutchinson, Jonah 22; 4, B. Smith, Roy 23; 5, K. Evans, Kemi Sue 37; 6, D. Jenkins, Jock 38.

Trials diary

ENGLAND

June 22 to 25. SHABFEST, Opens with Double Gather Championship on the last day, Shabden Park Farm, Chipstead, Surrey, CR5 3SF, entry closed.

June 24 AND 25. NETHERWITTON, Opens, Gallowshaw, Netherwitton, Northumberland, 8.30am start, first fifty dogs to enter on field. HARDEN MOSS, Open, Brace, Nursery, Local and Young Handler, Greenfield Road, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 3XF, 8am start, entry closed. CORNWALL, Charity Trials, Open Driving, Open and Novice Maltese cross, Trethern, Delabole, PL33 9DA, 9.30am start, enter on field.

June 25. MALTON SHOW, Open, Scampston Park, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 8NG, entry closed.

July 30. GARGRAVE SHOW Trial, Holme House Farm, Gargrave, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 3PR, 9am start, first fifty dogs to enter on field by 2pm, catering.

WALES

June 24. NW Abersoch and Llanengan, LL53 7UE. Enter on field, 8h30 Start, Open, Class 2 and Young Handlers. Contact: Rhian Hughes 07854032426. NW Sarn A'r Cylch, Faerdre, Botwnnog, LL53 8RG. Enter on the field. 9h start. Open, Class 2 & Class 3. Contact: Gareth Williams: 07816357238. SW New Inn SDT, St. Florence, SA70 8NR. Pre Entry. 8h start. Contact: Claire Ridge 07773192283

July 8. SW. SWSDTA Novice, Beginner and Young Handler Trial, Mynyddislwyn, NP12 2BG. Pre entry, Entries now open until 18/6/23. National Novice, YH and new for 2023: The Beginners Class. Contact Anna Prothero 07795178451.