A steady run at Kippen from Alastair MacKenzie’s Kim took the lead for the second week in succession, where Jacob ewes were testing but manageable on a big, flat course.

Although the scope of the field tempted some dogs to run out wide, some crossed their course. The long, level course also made it hard for dogs to discern the sheep over the distance.

Kim (P McGoldrick’s Braehead Lad, M McAlister’s Lyn) got off to a good start outbye and although the first leg of the drive wavered a little, she put her sheep through the gate and had a good cross drive. One ewe broke at the pen, but Kim retrieved her smartly and penned the packet. A good shed completed the run in first place.

Michael Gallagher’s Moss (E Connell’s Clyde, P McIntyre’s Jess) ran out to his sheep at the top, but overshot them slightly and then struggled to lift the packet. Once on the move, the work improved. His fetch and drive went smoothly and a clean pen and a good shed made up for earlier difficulties and Moss earned second place.

Three strong runs stood well ahead of the field at Hamilton Hall, where Blackface gimmers ran well on a slightly rising field and generally proved good to pen. Ian Brownlie’s Tod (IM Brownlie’s Boyd, F Harley’s News) stopped short on his outrun but worked well from there over the course and at the pen. His first attempt to shed did not come off, but second time round was successful and Tod won the first trial of the season in his area.

Ian Fleming’s Tui (I Fleming’s Tor, A Aitchison’s Beth) started with good work outbye and although he was low on his cross drive, he put his sheep through the gate. A good pen followed, but Tui too, had a failed attempt before he made his shed and finished second, one point behind.

Ross Henderson’s Spot (D Kinloch’s Zac, R Henderson’s Jude) had a good run outbye and on the course and was heading for a win until he reached the pen. One ewe faced up to him there and although Spot made such a good job of dealing with her and penning the packet that he was un-faulted for that, the time taken to pen robbed Spot of his shed and he came third, a point short of second.

The Cheviot gimmers at Badanloch behaved well on rough ground, although it was generally a flat course the ground rose on the left which drew the sheep as they turned round the handler at the end of the fetch.

Geordie Simpson’s Greiston Mick (RW Laurie’s Groesfaen Nap, Jay Beez’ Sky) ran out well, but his sheep took off as he lifted and went off line. Once Mick got them under control on the fetch, he got them through the gate and kept good lines, working smoothly on the drive. A good pen and shed completed the winning run with a comfortable lead.

Ian Sutherland’s Bob (RJ Hutchinson’s Jonah, C Taylor’s Redgate Midge) started his run with the best outrun of the day, lifted his sheep and worked well on the fetch and drive until, approaching the cross drive gate, the gimmers missed the gate on the inside. A clean pen and a good shed put Bob into second with the competition hot on his heels.

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Leading Awards

Kippen (Judge: H Mitchell, Glenfarg). Nursery – 21 ran –1, AD MacKenzie’s Kim, Luss, 87; 2, M Gallagher’s Moss, Alyth, 84; 3, AD Carnegie’s Bec, Comrie, 79; 4, E Nilsson’s Cora, Alyth, 74; 5, P Martin’s Holly, Glenlyon, 73 outbye; 6, M Watt’s Craig, Kirriemuir, 73 outbye; 7, K Dickson’s Meme, Fintry, 73; 8, A Wilkie’s Craig, Glenmoy, 68; 9, E Nilsson’s Ruh, Alyth, 66 outbye; 10, S Alexander’s Lyn, Rickarton, 66; 11, K Connard’s Dot, Saline, 52. Novice – 1, R Clarke’s Floss, Biggar, 73; 2, J Ralston’s Brie, Torrance, 70; 3, A Frame’s Kate, Quarter, 66.

Hamilton Hall (Judge: C Dickson, Coldingham). Nursery – 16 ran – 1, IM Brownlie’s Tod, Dunbar, 87; 2, I Fleming’s Tui, Douglas, 86; 3, R Henderson’s Spot, Gifford, 85; 4, A Aitchison's Cree, Mossdale, 79; 5, H Brown’s Pip, Coulter, 75; 6, RB Henderson’s Rod, Broughton, 74 outbye; 7, H Brown’s Mist, Coulter, 74; 8, PH Anderson’s Rae, Chickamauga, 74; 9, GC Gardner’s Sophie, Lesmahagow, 69; 10, A Walker’s Bunty, Hamilton, 65.

Badanloch (Judge: J MacKenzie, Badanloch). Nursery –14 ran – 1, G Simpson’s Greiston Mick, Forgue, 85; 2, I Sutherland’s Bob, Strathnaver, 81; 3, V Shearer’s Rick, Westfield, 80; 4, M MacQueen’s Barcroft Brian, Skye, 79; 5, N Sutherland’s Benji, Strathnaver, 76; 6, G van Dyck’s Seil, Invergordon, 74; 7, M MacQueen’s Ted, Skye, 70 outbye; 8, D Simpson’s Sweep, Barrock,70; 9, G Simpson’s Roy, Forgue, 69; 10, K Low’s Alba, Reay, 62 outbye; 11, J Grant’s Gael, Dunbeath, 62.

Fetlar, Shetland (Judge: J Thomason, Fetlar). Nursery –12 ran – 1, C Williamson’s Viking Dodie, Ollaberry, 76; 2, R Farquhar’s Skip, West Burrafirth, 73; 3, R Colclough’s Marj, West Sandwick, 72; 4, B Smith’s Viking Stig, Dunrossness, 71; 5, D Murray’s Bjorg, North Roe, 42.

Northumberland League

Low Struthers (Judge: G Smithson, Kirkbride). Nursery – 21 ran – 1, P Telfer’s Telf Con, Haydon Bridge, 84; 2, M Davidson’s Jill, Lilburn, 83; 3, C Balmbro's Jim, Wooler, 82 Time; 4, D Henderson’s Burndale Jet, Allendale, 82; 5, M Anderson’s Jet, Bellingham, 76; 6, P Turnbull’s Vic, Debdon, 75; Novice – F Samsom’s Mel, Wark, 81.