John Rees and Floss take indoor victory at Pontrhydfendigaid

The hall was transformed into a trial field, 45 metres long and 25 metres wide, with the obstacles including fetch gates, a Maltese Cross, a raised bridge and a pen. It was run under South Wales-style trial rules.

The floor had been covered with green matting, an improvement on last year, and the obstacles painted black, while a large digital clock hung over the centre of the course displaying each competitor’s run time.

More than 250 spectators watched the trials, for which seven minutes were allowed. The judge was Colin Gordon from the Gower.

Thirty top trialists from all over Wales were invited to compete, including Jeff Evans from Swyddffynnon, who was defending his title, and was the only competitor from last year.

The Welsh Mountain ewes, handled surprisingly well. There was not much room behind the fetch gates and older, more experienced dogs managed to get behind the sheep, achieve a lift and catch the fetch-gates.

After this, the handler was permitted to leave the post and move to the cross, where both dog and handler had to display mutual understanding and control in guiding the sheep through both lanes, over the raised bridge and into the pen.

Some of the first competitors were over-cautious, running out of time and failing to pen.

Some very good runs were penalised for crossing the course, not on the outrun, but around the course.

Runner-up to John Rees was Kevin Evans of Libanus, who judged last year’s trial.

On Sunday, the Gloucester/ Gwent Club held a Charity Trial at Coedkernew in memory of Del Baker, a member who died recently. All proceeds are to be donated to MacMillan Nurses.

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