RESULTS OF THE NOVICE AND OPEN AV SPANIEL TEST 28th April 2024.
I’m going to start my report with a massive THANK YOU to the fabulous team of helpers Tim and Steve who walked miles dummy throwing all day. Joanne, Alice, Keran and Becky who stewarded and Perc and Mandy who managed Base Camp and beverages and generally ensured a smooth operation.
Becky also provided us with a delicious spread of rolls and cakes to keep us all fuelled up.
Equally, thanks must go to our two very experienced Judges Simon Jones and Neil Varney for their time and wealth of knowledge who were happy to give advice and feedback at the end of a very long day and most importantly to the Kingsdon shoot for allowing us to host the event on this new ground.
We were blessed with a cool and mainly dry morning to run the Novice, in a mix of light cover consisting of privet and some rushes which allowed the dogs to show a good pattern with fairly clear marking opportunities. Handling skills were then tested on a short blind in front of the line which inevitably proved difficult for some.
We moved to new ground with heavier cover in the afternoon for the Open.
A strong entry of 15 showed some excellent dog work,with the award winners being just a few points apart in the final scores. With longer marks in dense cover, the ability to handle quickly and efficiently became paramount.
The results were
NOVICE
1st Julie Thatcher with ESS Chinachgook Cracksman
2nd Steve Langdon with ESS Tufftyke Taz
3rd Paul Maththews with ESS Quickflash Jennifer.
OPEN
1st Courtney Killpack with ESS Dollymix Candy if Craigscourt
2nd Tom Sheppard with ESS Beanhill Grandest
3rd Morwenna McNally with ESS Winscombe Muscat
4th Damien Fitchett with ESS Beesfit Ash
COM Julie Thatcher with ESS chinachgook Enable.
Congratulations to all in the awards and
Thank you to all the competitors for entering and making for an enjoyable day.