Murrurundi Sheep Dog Round Up

By Des Dugan

IT took just two trainers to take out the top four spots at the Murrurundi and District Sheep Dog trials — Bill Davidson and Greg Prince.

Wirchilleba Abby took out line honours at the Murrurundi Sheep Dog Trials three-day event over the ANZAC long weekend.

Owner Bill Davidson coached the dog along to 188 points walking away with the cup and the prize.

Greg Prince, who had the most number of dogs at the trial, was hot on his heels with his dog Princes Dan and 187 points. He also took third with Morgans Sophie on 185.

In one of his runs Greg tried out a white kelpie which the sheep had a go at — he retired half way through the run.

“Nobody has ever been able to explain to me why sheep go for white dogs,” he said.

“I don’t know either but they do.”

Bill returned to the score sheet with Longview Bazza in fourth place with 180 points.

Longview Bazza was his highest scoring champion at the 2014 and 2015 trials in Murrurundi.

Vicki Priestley was one of the two unplaced with Illoura Lass along with Greg Prince and his dog Del Rio Whisky

To compliment the lush green surrounding hill setting, the contestants were blessed with pleasant Autumn weather in 23 degrees and mostly clear blue skies for the three days of trials.

In the improvers trial Hughie Mitchell and My Mountain Witch waved his magic wand to collect 143 points.

Fair way behind on 130 was Ray Williams’ dog Angie following on 127 with Vickie Priestleys’ Illoura Lass.

Unplaced among the improvers was Allison Burrell with Illoura Penny and 119 points.

Over on the other ring the Max and Dulcie Swain Memorial Trophy was won by Alison Burrell and her dog Illoura Pip ringing in 184 points

Not far behind was Jane Parker with Toolangie Lady on 180 points and Hughie Mitchell and My Mountain Storm on 175.

Les Eveleigh had Hiltons Frank in fourth place on 166 points while Maree Moran and Kildare Paige scored 135.

The Encourage trial was taken out by Hiltons Ivy with 128 points followed by Les Eveleigh and Gunna Try second.

Les also took third possie with Hiltons Holly on 70 points.

The unplaced dog was Lindsays Lewie owned by Dennis Keys on 56 points.

The trials this year were highly mechanised — the judge had a hired golf cart to run around the Wilson Memorial Oval in.

Local identity Mrs and Mrs John Sharp perpetual trophy plus an individual trophy for the dog scoring the highest points in a single run in the first round of the Open Trial was won by Bill Davidson and his Wirchilleba Abby. He went around scoring 95 points.

The Ken Robinson trophies for best Kelpie and best Border Collie went to Les Eveleigh’s Hiltons Ivy and Annika Parker’s Wirchilleba Frosty.

The speedy special or the fastest dog in the open ring was Peter Oxley’s Rivlin Ceasar who raced around in 8 minutes and 55 seconds

Over on the novice ring Ray Williams had his dog Angie complete a round in 5 minutes and 11 seconds.