We held our Novice Retriever Trial on Friday 11th October by kind permission of
Mr and Mrs Atkinson at Inpark Farm, Cattistock.
Our Judges were Mary Jane Opie, Ken Green, Shane King and Nikki Urquhart.
We were blessed with the weather and started the day with a duck drive, followed by a series of mini drives and a walk up in cover crop. Robert Atkinson, using his considerable knowledge of the ground ensured there was a steady flow of birds, and the cover in places proved a challenge to dogs and handlers.
The team of guns, Steve Langdon, Steve Bartlett, Tom Sheppard, Paddy Williams, Antony Lynn and Simon House shot superbly complimenting the beaters hard work.
Eventually, with two dogs remaining, Trial Over was called and we returned to HQ for warm food and cake.
We would like to thank our helpers Judy Venables, Fen d’Lucie, Clare Tredrea, Michael and Marion Hanman, Jos Evans, Jane Manley and Jill Smith and Picker Up Margaret Allen, without whom there would be no trial, and Mrs Nicki Atkinson for their most generous and appreciated hospitality.
At great thank you also goes to our sponsors Skinners and Gamekeepers Goods.
There was no winner on the day but a very creditable
second place was awarded to Hawksgarth Hooch of Mahalo handled by Jo Horton
and third place and Guns Choice was awarded to
Ashport Plum of Mowbarton handled by Victoria Pitcher.
Jackie Davis - Acting Retriever Field Trial Secretary
