Battling the elements at Mid-Wales trials

At Dolfor, on a relatively level but undulating field, the Welsh Mules were let out in the far corner, which caused them to move off the lift when approached. Careful handling was necessary to successfully negotiate the left-handed course and while there was no shedding element, the pen had a back to it.

Despite the difference in scoring between the morning and afternoon sessions, the sheep were consistent throughout the day.

Winners

Ian Jones pushed Kevin Evans out of first place in the morning, losing one point on his outrun, six on the fetch, 15 on the drives, but had a clean pen. Kevin lost one on outrun and lift, eight on the fetch, 11 on the drives, and 10 at the pen.

In the afternoon, Aled Owen repeated the two placings he had at Nantlle Vale last week, but first place went to Sian Jones of Llangeitho, who also won the Open Challenge Cup.

At Felindre, a trial approaching its 50th year, the field rose steeply from the handlers’ post, having an outrun of 230m (250 yards) and drives of a similar length.

The sheep were Welsh yearlings and unpredictable throughout the left-handed course, even when they appeared to be settled. Again there was no shed and there was no back to the pen.

Kevin Evans nursed his packet of sheep to win the second session with Mirk, but Aubrey Lloyd was the happier man on the day, improving on his second place at Erwood by winning the morning trial.

At Garndolbenmaen, Medwyn Evans won the morning session with Jan, and Welsh National past-president, Wyn Edwards, repeated his success at Nantlle Vale with Maggie by winning the afternoon trial.

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