Great talent on show at Deans Marsh Dog Trials

LAST week’s Deans Marsh Dog Trials were again an outstanding success, with competitors coming from all over the country and watched by over 300 spectators at the Deans Marsh Recreation Reserve.

Event co-ordinators Jill Stewart and Mark Fagan said that the trials were a great success.

“We have received lots of positive feedback from the competitors saying that it was one of the best run trials they have been to,” they said.

“The Open final was a nail biter, two triallers and their dogs were equal, so we had a run-off.

“In the run-off they both again ended with the same score, so they had to have another run ending with only two points the difference.

“On the Friday we started at 6.30am because of the heat then stopped when it got hot, resuming at 5.30pm then trialled till 9pm that night.

“We had a great representation of women triallers this year with a few new people attending who are learning to trial.

“During lunch time on Saturday and Sunday we offered learner triallers to take their dogs out and do part of the course with an experienced trialler walking with them.

“This was very successful as the new people really appreciated the opportunity.

“On Friday and Sunday, we had a young local apprentice chef Lloyd Phillips cater for dinner and lunch.”

In the King Parrot Open category, the winner was John Tuddenham from Ross Creek with his dog Granan Roo, with the tight second place going to Sue Young from Teesdale with her dog Ashens Nell.

John Tuddenham also took out 1st and 2nd place in Outback Trading’s Improver category with dogs Waramara Mac and Waramara Dot.

In the Otway Greening Novice category, David Sharp, who has just moved from Queensland, also took out both 1st and 2nd with his dogs Walmar Aria and Shaunder Token.