Sheepdog trials from Colmonell, Mey and Northumberland

The Cheviot ewes did not like the gates and while some packets behaved well, others needed to be handled carefully and it took strength from the dog to shift them.

Bob (S Jones’ Straid Bob, OS Thomas’ Madog Floss) ran out well, and although he stopped slightly short, he lifted his sheep nicely and fetched them on a good line. The drive went well, with just minor wavers, and a clean pan and shed set the seal on the winning run.

Mark MacQueen’s Ted was not far behind. Ted (R Games’ Scot, K Pritchard’s Preseli Kate) ran out cleanly to his sheep, and lifted them rather quickly. The line of his fetch wavered a little, but his drive was good, with just a wide turn through the cross drive gate to fault him. A good pen and a clean shed completed the run in second place.

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Mark was on form that day, winning the nursery trial with Texas. The young bitch ran out and lifted cleanly, had a good fetch with just slight wavers, and on the drive her turns were a little wide. When one ewe broke away from the pen, Texas (R Hutchinson’s Jonah, D Mitchell’s Kate) worked well to retrieve her before she got far and a clean shed completed the winning nursery run.

Cheviot ewes ran well on a flat field at Colmonell, with a slight rise to the top.

Neil McVicar’s Mark (JP McGee’s Glencregg Silver, IM Brownlie’s Lia) worked steadily round the field with a good outrun and lift and a good fetch with only minor wavers. The drive went well, until Mark put the sheep through the cross drive gate and, endeavouring to turn them neatly away to return to the pen, his tight turn backfired and one ewe returned through the gate. Once she had rejoined the packet, Mark took them down to the pen where he completed his run with a good pen and shed and earned first place.

Leading Awards

Mey (Judge: T McPhee, Wick). Open 35 ran – 1, L Ronaldson’s Bob, Wick, 94; 2, M MacQueen’s Texas, Skye, 91outbye; 3, J Grant’s Lad, Dunbeath, 91; 4, M MacQueen’s Ted, Skye, 90; 5, MC Shearer’s Heilan Rab, Westfield, 88; 6, G Simpson’s Greiston Mick, Forgue, 83.

Colmonell (Judge: M Gallagher, Alyth). Open – 45 ran – 1, N McVicar’s Mark, Benmore, 92; 2, M Young’s Duncallean Tandy, Stranraer, 90 outbye; 3, A McCulloch’s Sam, Dalmellington, 90; 4, A Dawidowicz’s Buka, Dunsyre, 89 outbye; 5, N Gillon’s Boss, Barr, 89; 6, S McCrindle’s Nap, Stranraer, 88. Double lift final – 1, W Welsh’s Jan, Dalcairney.

Mey (Judge: T McPhee, Wick). Nursery –14 ran –1, M MacQueen’s Ted, Skye, 90; 2, G Simpson’s Greiston Mick, Forgue, 83; 3, M MacQueen’s Barcroft Brian, Skye, 76; 4, G Simpson’s Roy, Forgue, 74; 5, V Shearer’s Rock, Westfield, 72; 6, J Grant’s Gael, Dunbeath, 70; 7, N Sutherland’s Benji, Strathnaver, 65; 8, G Cormack’s Tweed, Dunnet, 64; 9, R Scott’s Mac, Bonar Bridge, 63; 10, I Sutherland’s Bob, Strathnaver, 62; 11, D Simpson’s Sweep, Barrock, 56.

Northumberland League

Shirlawhope (Judge: M Day, Alwinton). Nursery – 1, B Jordan’s Craigshield Dove, Whitfield, 80; 2, P Turnbull’s Will, Debdon, 74; 3, M Davidson’s Gen, Lilburn, 73; 4, M Davidson’s Jill, Lilburn, 72; 5, R Mitchison’s Tarla, Belsay 69; 6, M Davidson’s Clover, Lilburn, 65. Novice – 1, J Tulloch’s Ben, Wark, 58.

2024 Open League results – 1, M Davidson’s Glen, Lilburn, 41; 2, M Davidson’s Angus, Lilburn, 39; 3, C Balmbro’s Liz, Wooler; 4, B Jordan’s Chase, Whitfield; P Telfer’s Telf Jin, Haydon Bridge; 6, D Henderson’s Cemig Jewel, Allendale.