Very grateful thanks to our judges Mr Dave Brown (A3357), Mrs Sarah Comber-Smith (A25), Mr Steve Cullis (B2759) and Mr John Yarwood (B3484) for giving up their time.
Thank you also to the team of guns who ensured a plentiful supply of game: David Bellamy, Geoff Derrick, Simon McKay, John Troop, David Savory, Gary Shelbourne and Vinny Wilkinson.
Chief Steward was Roz Bellamy who kept track of the day with her usual skill and expertise. Thanks also to the many helpers who helped the day run smoothly.
After a couple of late withdrawals, we started the trial with 12 dogs in line. The first drive produced plenty of birds for the guns who shot very well resulting in plenty of game on the ground. Early casualties could not resist the temptation of a flapping bird just a few yards in front of the line or the pricked cock bird that ran the line.
The judges took 4 dogs through to a walk up on rough ground with mixed cover. Game was less plentiful but sufficient birds were shot to test the remaining dogs.
Having called “trial over” competitors, judges and helpers retired to the yard where a delicious hot lunch, prepared by Roz Bellamy, was served. After lunch the result was announced:
Ms Vagberg was awarded The Winch Challenge Cup, The Birch Challenge Cup for the highest placed retriever handled by its owner and The Hellingley Retriever Cup (Oliver Trophy) for the highest placed retriever handled by a lady but these trophies can only by held by members resident in the UK. (photo below)
2nd Mahinda Pompoko handled by Mrs Hilary Rosser who received The Creton Trophy and The Olaf Trophy for the “Guns Choice”.