Ian Alach
‘We’ll be back’, was the response to the annual Takaka Dog Trials which was held over the sunny weekend of January 29 and 30, just ahead of the rain deluge that started three days later.
A pleasant breeze moderated the temperature and the sheep generally proved good to work with. There was a record turnout of 209 competitors and local club members managed to handle the extra numbers without a hitch.
All participants were required to meet Covid regulations, produce vaccine passes and wear masks in the office. Food was consumed outside in the fresh air.
Club president, Jock Wylie, made an excellent job of preparing sheep for the event, which involved getting animals accustomed to a number of obstacles and close dog work.
There was a contingent of new faces from Canterbury as well as good support from Marlborough and Nelson in attendance. Visitors from away promised to come back next year for the well-run event, the famous Golden Bay hospitality and enjoyable atmosphere.
Results: Long Head was won by Peter Kidd and Troy; Short Head and yard was won by Eion Herbert and Mac; Zig-zag Hunt won by Steve Blanchard and Meg; Straight Hunt won by Tahi Doonan and Monk; Most points of the Trials was won by Jock Wyllie for both the Heading and Hunting events. Raffle winners were: Mike Brown, Grant Wylie, Angela Leslie, Tahi Doonan and Alister Campbell.
