THE Devon and Exmoor Sheepdog Society were at Chillaton near Lifton for their latest trial on Sunday. Held at Chillaton Barton, by kind permission of Ian Bickle, and judged by G Martin from Lydney.
RESULTS: Open driving, scores out of 90, 1, J Carter (Delabole) with Jen 84; 2, M Derrick (Kingsteignton), Shep 79; 3, J Watson (Brecon) Rob, 77; 4, J Holdsworth (Mortenhampstead) Wisp 76 (OLF); 5, R Montgomery (Rudgeway) Flo 76; 6, K Cropper (Shap) Scrum 76.
The society has held 11 of the planned 13 nursery trials despite the awful weather this winter. It thanked all those who have helped — including hosting trials, judging, letting out and taking off sheep, taking entries and participating. This season the Maltese Cross section has been dominated by Jed Watson (Brecon) with his nursery team, who won eight of the trials with different dogs and won the Winter Novice championship with Jake. Overall 45 dogs competing in the Maltese cross with 26 gaining a place at some stage. The driving was dominated by Jim Nicholls (Buckland Brewer) with his bitch Kim. He won the R Sleep perpetual challenge cup nursery driving while Maureen Capes and Mist took the Philleigh Cup for the highest pointed lady handler, closely followed by Jenny Holdsworth and Dusk and Merrill Fox and Gem. 31 dogs competed in driving with 23 of them achieving a place this season.
Young handlers Mathew Carter and Mark Hopper ran two dogs each, with Mathew edging ahead to take the took the Young Handler Trophy for the second year running.
At the Westcountry Nursery trial at Delabole, Cornwall on April 17 in the Maltese Cross section J Denison-Smith of Sampford Courtney with dog Alfie came sixth. In the driving, J Holdsworth of Mortenhampstead, with Dusk, was fifth.
Next trials are: Saturday, June 5 at Sunduck Cross Farm, Lustleigh, for details call secretary Julie Tucker on 01822 810276; Sunday, June 6 at Sunduck Cross Farm Charity Trial, Lustleigh, secretary, Ian MacKay on 01647 440287s.