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.WORKING DOGS
June fog delays fixture
EARLY morning fog delayed the start of the Ivy House trial foralmost an hour, which was well supported by handlers from all over Wales.
Those handlers who chose a left-hand outrun had two gates to negotiate, the course being set through three fields, though most favoured the right-hand outrun, negotiating only one gate.
The Cheviot shearling hoggs from the Penteroin Flock were clearly visible at the lift and, while they were light to handle, they were consistent and some flowing runs were possible.
The drive was to the left following a turn in front of the handler, with no shed and no way back to the pen, where the sheep were challenging.
Gwynfor Owen’s journey from Anglesey was worthwhile, being well placed in both sessions.
Paul Tomkins led the second session for a long time, until the quiet handling of Alistair Gilchrist beat his run by four points.
Clear and bright
On Saturday, the weather was clear and bright at the Clun Valley trial at Rockhill, which has been in existence for more than 40 years thanks to the generosity of the landowner, the local committee and, in later years, the untiring efforts of Vic Morris.
The field has a generous 420-yard fetch, drives of 380 yards, and all of which are in full view of the spectators.
Natural obstacles on both sides of the outrun could cause dogs to come in too early before covering their sheep.
The Suffolk cross shearlings handled well outbye, but were testing in the shed and at the pen.
The drive was left-handed following a turn in front of the handler. Ian Jones gained two places in the morning session, having a slightly better outrun and lift than Eirean Morgan - only half a point separating the rest of their runs.
In the afternoon, Gwyn Jones, of Penmachno, lost four points on both outrun and lift, but such was his work, he lost no more points in the fetch, drives, shed and pen.
Last week’s Eastnor Estate trial was organised, in his own time, by farm manager Rob Moore, who was also involved in letting sheep out on the day.
RESULTS
IVY HOUSE, Hope, Minsterley, Session 1 (Judge, K.O. Harley, Glasbury, 36 ran) 1, R. Montgomery (Bristol) Ollie (points lost) 10; 2, Y. Abrey (Brecon) Fly, 13; 3, G. Owen (Anglesey) Zac, 15 OLF; 4, H. Lloyd (Trefeglwys) Kate, 15; 5, R. H. Jones (Llanfechain) Meg, 16; 6, P. Tomkins (Llandrindod Wells) Arnie, 17.
Session 2 (M. Owen, Welshpool, 36 ran) 1, A. Gilchrist (Llangollen) Pat, 9; 2, P. Tomkins, Mac, 13; 3, A. Owen (Llangwm) Roy, 15; 4, G. Owen (Anglesey) Lyn, 17 OLF; 5, B. Howson (Llandefalle) Peg, 17 OLF; 6, E.L. Morgan (Aberystwyth) Spot, 17.
CLUN, Poplars Farm, Rockhill, Session 1 (A. Blackmore, Ledbury, 40 ran) 1, I. Jones (Erwood) Jess, 13; 2, E.L. Morgan (Aberystwyth) Spot, 15.5; 3, S. Main (Bala) Lace, 16; 4, Y. Abrey (Brecon) Fly, 21; 5, J. Drinkwater (Abermeurig) Tarn, 22; 6, I. Jones, Tom, 23. Session 2 (D.I. Morgan, Aberystwyth, 38 ran ) 1, G. Jones (Penmachno) Nell, 8; 2, S. Harden (Pembroke) Jet, 13; 3, R.B. Pugh (Nantmel) Bet, 15; 4, A. Blackmore (Ledbury) Bob, 16 OLF; 5, R. Ellis (Nantymoel) Mirk, 16; 6, A. Driscoll (Llanllawddog) Meg, 18.
LLYSFASI, Pentrecelyn, Ruthin (Gwyn Ll. Davies, 103 ran) Open 1, M.Ll. Evans (Llanfachreth) Caddy (points lost) 4.5 OLF; 2, P. Williams (Treuddyn) Dale, 4.5; 3, G.Ll. Jones (Bala) Moss, 5.5; 4, A. Davies (Bryneglwys) Dot, 9; 5, G. Lightfoot (Llandegla) Mari, 9; 6, A. Owen (Llangwm) Roy, 10.5. Lady handler, Aurwen Price (Llandrindod Wells) Jill, 23.5. Young handler, A. Davies (Bryneglwys) Dot, 6.5.
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