Faultless finish from Tot sets unbeatable standard

The strong northerly wind made conditions cold on Saturday, whereas Sunday was a much quieter day.

Rising very gently over rough ground, the course was gathered either way. As the sheep were turned out on the crest of the hill, the dogs disappeared from sight at the lift, where they had to use their own initiative.

Running was on packets of either four Mule or four Swaledale shearlings, which were quite good to manage.

After the outfield course, where the driving was to the right, the sheep had to be shed, penned and finally one singled.

Matt Watson judged Saturday’s entry of 30 dogs. Second to post, Thomas Longton and Tot set a standard which failed to be beaten.

Losing two points on each of his outrun, lift and fetch, Tot dropped five marks over his driving before have a faultless finish at hand to score 99 of 110. At 29, David Carlton’s Ann was the runner-up on 98.

Tim Longton judged Sunday’s entry of 29. Frank Cleary took the title with Peg running at 16. They lost one point from their gather, two from the fetch and four from their driving. After losing four marks at the shed, they penned clean before losing two at the single to earn 97.

At 19, Charles Cutler and Sam went into second place on 96, but were pushed down into third on an out-bye decision when, at 30, Michael Longton’s Monty matched their score.

Chloe Cropper had a lengthy three days of judging at the annual Harden Moss trials held near Holmfirth.

On Friday Richard Briggs topped the entry of 56 open dogs, scoring 80 of 90 points with Bill. Ben Smith and Pete, with 83 points, were the best of Saturday’s entry of 63.

Double gather

The top three from each day, along with the local open class winner, went forward into the double gather championship held on Sunday afternoon.

Gordon Birchenall and Alf were drawn first. Going right-handed Alf gathered his three Cheviot shearlings well before turning back for a further packet of three to the left. He managed the flighty shearlings well, catching all three obstacles.

Having been in the championship the two previous years it was third time lucky as he took the trophy with 122 of 150 points, four clear of runners-up Ben Smith and Pete.

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