Trials aplenty as competitors gear up for Welsh National

Many brought their dogs with them and showed their quality, competing in many of the trials, and taking many placings, before going to watch the National.

Competitors entered in the National took advantage of trials hosted by John Davies of Blaenglowon. He provided a course equal to that of any international, but different to that on which competitors would run if they were entered in the South Wales Association’s open trial, which he was to host at the end of the week.

Talybont

At Talybont, Llyr Evans, a relatively new handler, kept the family tradition going by winning both the South Wales classes, being the best Ceredigion novice and having the best run before mid-day. He also won the South Wales class at the Ceredigion YFC trial.

The class for young farmers was well supported by Aled Llyr of Capel Bangor, Dewi Jenkins, Talybont and Elin Hope, Abermeurig. Another young handler, Iestyn Owen of Llanarthne fared well at Newcastle Emlyn.

A new field was the venue for the Vale of Evesham Trial. It gave an outrun of 250 yards, drives of 300 yards and a full course, including a single.

On Saturday, North Country shearling mules were used and on Sunday, a lowland flock was employed. The local novice class did not have a single, and the 12 local farmers’ class put on to encourage them into trialling, but had no driving discipline.

Dick Roper took first and second in the open, pushing John Thomas into third. Eamon Lawless won the brace competition. Proceeds of more than £600 will go to Cancer Research UK.

At the South Wales open competition at Blaenglowon, it was only a wedding and a funeral which prevented some handlers who had entered from attending.

Two qualifying fields were used, both with an outrun of 400 yards. The sheep could be very touchy and needed dominating. There were 35 retirements and 10 handlers from each field returned the next day for a double-fetch final.

High standards

On the vast course with 800-yard outruns, the standard was very high. Nigel Watkins and Jody, Robert Ellis and Mirk, started the day off well, as did Kevin Evans, Irwel Evans and Meirion Jones.

Flocked in 20s, the sheep drove better than when in fives, but most thought they had had problems in the shedding ring, until they got to the pen.

Ian Jones, losing three points in the ring, took the lead until Kevin Evans shed cleanly to post the winning score, despite losing five points at the pen. He also had the best out-bye and driving work. His dog, Greg, is not yet two years old.

Results from this week reveal the high trialling standard in Wales. Praise is due to the many placings achieved by handlers.

Have your say

Please do not complete the following form field for security reasons.

Name

E-mail

Comment

Post as

Anonymously

Display name