THE 2006 sheepdog season drew to a close last weekend with trials held at Chillaton and Tregony. Devon were resounding winners at the Devon v Cornwall challenge match held at Chillaton, with Devon scoring 626 points and Cornwall 395 points. The trial held at Tregony saw the top six dogs from each county compete in both the Matlese Cross and Driving classes for the coveted titles of champion of champions. Results from the above trials and from the novice championship held at Postbridge on September 24 were as follows: Points scored were out of 100 for driving and 90 for Maltese Cross. Middle Merripitt Farm, Postbridge: Novice Drive 1 B Evans , Fay, 89; 2 M Derrick, Shep, 86; 3 J Hayward, Sally, 78 (outrun, lift and fetch); 4 I Bickle, Molly, 78. Novice Maltese Cross: 1 K Watson, Maid, 86; 2 A Williams, Fly, 81; 3 R Hayes, Sid, 80; 4 I Bickle, Star, 77. Devon v Cornwall, Chillaton, September 30: Drive: 1 A Hendy, Lad, 89, (Devon), (outrun, lift and fetch); 2 N Dalgarno, Cap, 89, (Cornwall), (olf); 3 J Carter, Jill, 89 (C); 4 J Carter, Jen, 87 (C). Maltese Cross: 1 K Watson, Wag, 83 (D); 2 N Dalgarno, Scott, 75 (C); 3 T A Cox, Jess, 73 (D); 4 B Evans, Jude, 71 (D). Champion of champions at Tregony, October 1: Driving champion: N Dalgarno, Cap, 122/160; runner-up J Holdsworth, Beth, 114/160. Maltese Cross champion: J Carter, Lad, 74/90; runner-up K J Watson, Roy, 72/90. The Victor Ludorum Shields (awarded to the dogs gaining the most points during the season) will be presented to T A Cox with Nap (Driving) and K J Watson with Wag (Maltese Cross) at the Devon and Exmoor Sheepdog Society dinner dance to be held on October 20.