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Many excuses can be heard being muttered on the trials field after a bad run, so I thought I'd add a new one to the mix.

Having got up even earlier than usual to travel to Felindre and Dolfor  sheepdog trials last weekend, I was left very disappointed after a disastrous run in the morning at Felindre.

Corrie went up the hill and picked up her sheep well, but as she brought them down the field they drifted offline to the left. So, naturally, I gave her an away whistle - but there was no reaction. So I tried again, but still nothing. It was as if she'd never heard the away command - either that or she'd gone temporarily deaf. After repeated voice and whistle commands we were getting nowhere, so I had to walk off hanging my head in shame, with a sore throat and dented pride.

Was it really worth getting up at 4am and driving for two-and-a-half hours for that sorry effort?

I couldn't think of any explanation for what she had - or rather hadn't - done. Admittedly my training has been lacking , to say the least, but there really couldn't be an excuse or could there?

It was only later in the day that I heard a bit of folklore while chatting to trials secretary Mark Bufton.

Local legend has it that the large stone lying in the field on the fetch was thrown by the devil in an attempt to destroy the nearby church. Fortunately the stone missed the church, but if anyone tries to move it a thunderous storm gathers and lightning strikes.

So there you have it - it was the devil at work.

PS As further evidence, once we'd escaped the grasp of the stone and arrived at Dolfor, I ran Corrie where she took every command I gave her.