Robert and Mirk have a day to remember

He was running his four-year-old dog Mirk, which he nearly sold on despite having previously won six out of seven nursery trials. Perseverance and time obviously paid off.

The National style trial was held on a small but difficult field, the outrun being about 220 yards and the drives 280 yards.

A good sized shedding ring was complemented by clear, white painted gates and pen. The heavy overnight rain had little effect as conditions improved during the day, while the Cheviot/Welsh yearlings mainly stood well at the lift, but did not take kindly to too much pressure on the drives.

Confidence crucial

A firm steady pace was the order of the day, the handlers needing to read their packet of sheep well. Confidence was required in the shedding ring and at the pen, to prevent the sheep getting their heads up and breaking.

The sheep had to be turned into the away-drive around a post in front of the handler, and the morning left-hand drive was reversed in the afternoon.

It was good to see Elin Hope, a 10-year-old young lady handler complete her run with a pen. Her determination gave due notice for the future.

John Rees, of St Dogmaels, pushed the pace in the morning session, and the Evans family, from Libanus, appeared well in the running in the afternoon – as is usually the case.

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