Fraser bests more experienced opponents

The North Country Cheviot gimmers generally behaved reasonably well on the course, although they were inclined to take off at speed, at various times through the day.

Despite that, some dogs managed them well and had good runs up to the pen, but the sheep were decidedly difficult there and many good runs fell apart when the dog failed to pen.

Fizz ran out clean to the top, lifted well and kept the sheep under calm control. The line of the fetch wavered a little, but the drive was very good with ‘tremendous turns, the best of the day,’ according to judge, Bobby Howatson.

At the pen, one awkward gimmer wanted to avoid the pen, but Fizz was fit for her and soon put paid to her plans for freedom.

Again, Fraser’s shed was ‘the best of the day’ and Fizz was the undoubted and deserved leader with a comfortable margin between him and the rest of the field.

Lairg trial

Conditions were somewhat similar at Lairg, where Cheviot gimmers proved tricky to deal with on the course and good runs disintegrated at the pen.

The course was set on a gently rolling field, with a long drive and an open aspect, which allowed for good viewing over the whole course.

Ian Wilkie’s Maid (R Watson’s Joe, I Wilkie’s Maid I) worked well outbye, with a minor waver of line on the fetch against her.

The drive was very good, again with only a minor waver of the line and a slightly wide turn out of the cross drive gate.

Maid made good work of stopping a difficult customer at the pen and shed well, but at her second attempt, and finished with a ten point lead over the field.

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