Llanddeusant sheepdog trial report…

It may have been the Easter weekend but there was little sign of Easter bonnets or chocolate eggs in Llanddeusant as sheepdog triallers took to the field for some fierce competition.

Four sessions were held over two days so there was plenty of opportunity for handlers to vie for the top positions.

The early season enthusiasm and spring rush for points continues and competitors needed to arrive early. The books were soon full and some were left disappointed without a run.

Held on Nigel Watkins’ land, it was an international affair with Dutch handler Gaby Brinkman competing as well as Irishmen William Gallagher and John Harkin.

The sheep, worked in packets of three, were tricky to handle and tested the dogs.

The trial course itself differed from the usual layout. Once the dogs had brought the sheep through the fetch gates, handlers needed to turn the sheep around a marker, halfway between the post and the fetch, to then drive the sheep straight back up the field through the fetch gates for the cross-drive. After the drive the sheep were brought back round the marker before the handler could walk to the gated chute.

On the Saturday, Jed Watson with Mirk, and E. P. Roberts with Eryri Mac had good runs and were placed in both sessions. Jed Watson won in the morning and Beryl Lewis took the honours with Floss in the afternoon.

On Easter Sunday Pembrokeshire’s John Rees won with his reliable bitch Floss. In the afternoon E. L. Morgan and Fred pipped Rob Ellis and Mirk to the top spot.

The weekend’s judges were Kevin Evans, Dai James, Robert Ellis and Kelvin Broad.

Were you snapped at Llanddeusant? Visit the gallery.

For the full results click here.