There is a well known saying, 'no pain, no gain' and that will be ringing true in the minds of Milk Link’s 1,600 producers, who are on the brink of reaping just reward for 12 years of loyalty and investment.Jeff Hudd achieves spectacular Open win
THE second trial sponsored by Alison Smith and her cheerful band of helpers was held in warm, dry conditions at Powick.
The field can be described as a flattish bowl, the handler’s post on a hummock at one end, the point of lift at a similar point at the other side of the bowl.
The mature North Country mules were a vast improvement on last year’s Welsh hoggs, and moved consistently well throughout the course, but did prove stubborn at the pen.
The fetch was a good 200 yards, the drives 250 yards following a right-hand turn around the handler.
Alleviate stress
The shed proved problem-free for most, but the judges agreed in both sessions – to alleviate stress on all concerned at the pen – that should the sheep fail to pen, the handler would be allowed to retire after three reasonable attempts, the handler keeping points thus far gained.
The trial was well supported by handlers, and it will remain in the memory of one man in particular – Jeff Hudd, of Tredegar – who had an outstanding win in the second session, losing only seven points, unusually not with Fleece but with Nell, 15 points ahead of David Evans and Black.
Kevin Evans took three places in the first session with Mirk, Greg and Spot.
– Proceeds from the trial will go to the military wounded’s charity, Help for Heroes.
WELSH RESULTS
POWICK, Hospital Lane, Powick, Session 1, Open (Judge, A. Bennett, Asterton, 33 ran): 1, K. Evans (Libanus) Mirk, points lost 16; 2, K. Evans, Greg, 18; 3, K. Powell (Kington) Sally, 19; 4, K. Evans, Spot, 20 OLF; 5, E. Morgan (Aberystwyth) Fred, 20; 6, D. Evans (Libanus) Roy, 21.
Novice: 1, K. Powell, Sally, 19; 2, D. Evans, Roy, 21; 3, Lesley Jones (Minsterley) Glen, 22; 4, E. Morgan, Glyn, 26.
Session 2 Open (K. Evans, Libanus, 25 ran): 1 J. Hudd (Tredegar) Nell, 7; 2, D. Evans, Black, 22; 3, A. Smith (Ledbury) Lil, 23; 4, Y. Abrey (Brecon) Fly, 24 OLF; 5, A. Bennett, Sam, 24; 6, M. Lewis (Talgarth) Moss, 25.
Novice 1, D. Evans, Black, 22; 2, A. Smith, Lil, 23; 3, M. Lewis, Moss, 25; M. Williams (Welshpool) Barney, 28.
Local Novice (60-mile radius): 1, A. Blackmore (Ledbury) Sweep, 26; 2, A. Blackmore, Floss, 33; 3, J. Atwell (Evesham) Alice, 39.5; 4, L. Walters (Ludlow) Lad, 44.
DWYRAN, Treanna Fields, Dwyran, Anglesey Open (July 2) (Judge, Gwynfor Owen, 78 ran): 1, D. Mackay (Carmel) Scott, 11; 2, R.V. Hughes (Rhosmeirch) Black, 13; 3, R.V. Hughes, Nan, 18; 4, J.R. Griffith (Talysarn) Moss, 21; 5, J.R. Jones (Garndolbenmaen) Sally, 23; 6, J.R. Griffith, Gweno, 25.
Second Class 1, G. Lightfoot (Llandegla) Morus, 33; 2, G. Lightfoot, Mari, 34; 3, E. Griffith (Waunfawr) Craig OLF, 4; Rh. Owen (Clynog) Ben OLF.
Open (July 3) (G.T. Owen, 67 ran): 1, A. Owen (Llangwm) Roy, 13; 2, J.R. Griffith, Moss, 14 OLF; 3, A. Williams (Penmachno) Eryri Jim, 14; 4, J.R.Griffith, Roy, 15; 5, R.V. Hughes, Nan, 18 OLF; 6, G. Owen (Llanerchymedd) Lyn, 18. Second class: 1, D. Davies (Porthmadog) Wolf, 19; 2, J.R. Jones, Sally, 20; 3, E. Griffith, Craig, 22; 4, H.D. Pritchard (Llanrug) Bess, 28; 5, E. Williams (Penisarwaen) Bet, 29; 6, G. Lightfoot, Mari, 32.
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