A NEAR faultless, flowing run on difficult sheep put Duncan Robertson’s Derwen Roy into poll position at Manor.

The mule ewes were unpredictable at the narrow top of the flat field which tested the dogs, but they tended to settle better as the long day wore on.

Roy (S Holt’s Highbeck Blake, G Jones’ Derwen Mali) set out a little wide from Duncan’s feet, but quickly got on to a good, pear shaped outrun. He lifted cleanly and fetched and drove his sheep smoothly round the course, at a nice pace, with only Roy’s turn round around Duncan to fault him. A clean pen and shed set the seal on the winning run.

Neil McVicar’s Mark (JP McGee’s Glencregg Silver, IM Brownlie’s Lia) ran out nicely, but came in slightly tight on his sheep in the tapered area at the top of the course. He, too, worked well on the course, if not quite as smoothly as Roy. He had a very good fetch and drive with very minor wavers on the drive, and another clean finish made Mark runner-up for the day.

Leading Awards

Manor (Judge: K Keith, Lockerbie) Open – 66 ran – 1, D Robertson’s Derwen Roy, Langholm, 97; 2, N McVicar’s Mark, Benmore, 93; 3, A McCulloch’s Sam, Dalmellington, 91Outbye; 4, C Dickson’s Tom, Coldingham, 91; 5, H Mitchell’s Brae, Glenfarg, 90 Outbye; 6, N Campbell’s Gwen, Kinross, 90; 7, R Henderson’s Spot, Gifford, 89; 8, L Gast’s Scalpsie Kelp (Herbie), Scalpsie, 88;

Staffin (Judge: S Campbell, Uig) Nursery –12 ran – 1, G Simpson’s Greiston Mick, Forgue, 80; 2, M MacQueen’s Ted, Skye, 78; 3, M MacQueen’s Bran, Skye, 69; 4, J Grant’s Gael, Dunbeath, 44;

Northumberland League

Alwinton (Judge: M Elliott, Lazonby) Nursery – 25 ran – 1, B Jordan’s Chase, Whitfield, 81; 2, D Henderson’s Cemig Jewel, Allendale, 76; 3, K Cropper’s Jacobsdale Gin, Shap, 75; 4, R Mitchison’s Mitch, Belsay 71 Outbye; 5, B Jordan’s Judge, Whitfield, 71; 6, T Iley’s Spot, Longframlington, 69; Novice – S Lopez’ Birty, England.