Albany 3 sheep trial Nov 10th, 11th, 12th.
The last 3 sheep trial of the year for WA was held in the port town of Albany, 420 km south of Perth
It is a picturesque trial, surrounded on two sides by large rocky hills.
They sheep were mainly fast flighty merinos with some crossbreds thrown in to make it more interesting.
And as if the sheep werent difficult enough, the backdrop for the trial was the Albany show with the showground rides barely a stones throw from the trial ground. The noise of the machinery and screams from those who were apparently having fun was so loud that often the dog could not hear the handler giving commands.
The sheep also had a tendency to stand up to the dogs when they weren't making mad dashes all over the place. The first obstacle was the most difficult but once through that they galloped over the bridge, but then were a little difficult to keep in the pen.
All in all interesting and challenging, but fair for everyone and good experience for dogs and handlers.
There weren't a lot of high scores, and some top teams came unstuck when the sheep would not settle.
The weather was as unpredictable as the sheep, quite warm when the sun came out, but when the wind blew it was very cold. There were some heavy showers of rain during Fri night, but it kept away during the day.
Novice, judged by Glenice Webb.
1st. Simon Leaning and Fleetfeet Axle. Kelpie. 94
2nd. Peter Gorman and Princes Sally. 83.
=3rd. Ken Atherton and Badgingarra Tony. Kelpie. 86. Marianne Rogers and Christies Cocoacina.
5th Andrew Gorton and Just Sam. 81.
6th. Rick Janitz and Jandoree Dotcom. 80.
7th. Tony Boyle and Boylee Tobie. 72.
8th Frank Sutherland and Rocky Chick. 70.
9th Tony Boyle and Boylee Sugar. 65.
10th. Neil Eastough and Grassvalley Jack. 62
Improver, Judged by Jean Hydleman.
1st. Ivan Solomon and Somerville Tully. 89.
2nd Glenice Webb and Morrillo Toby. 84.
3rd Rick Janitz and Jandoree DotCom. 80.
4th Gibb Macdonald and Boylee Poppy. 76
5th Grant Cooke and Grassvalley Sky. 74
6th Simon Leaning and Fleetfeet Axle. Kelpie. 73.
7th Andrew Gorton and Just Sam. 68
8th Frank Sutherland and Rocky Chick. 66
9th Neil Eastough and Grassvalley Jack. 65.
10th. Marianne Rogers and Christies Cocoacina. 63 Open, Judged by Peter Gorman.
1st Grant Cooke and Grassvalley Moss. 170.
2nd Ivan Solomon and Perengary Beck. 162.
3rd Glenice Webb and Morrillo Doff. 161.
4th Ivan Solomon and Perengary Sasha. 160.
=5th Grant Cooke and Grassvalley Candy. 143. Andrew Gorton and Boylee Ella.
7th Colin Cosh and Dodges Patch 2nd. 138.
8th Tony Boyle and Boylee Tobie. 127.
9th Neil Eastough and Grassvalley Tinky. 79.
10th Tony Boyle and Boylee Dale. 78.
11th Jenny Palm and Badgingarra Lisa. 76.
12th Ray Sutherland and Ramulam Penny. 73.
The dog of the year was also decided at Albany and the winner was Ken Atherton and Ramulam Gus.
2nd was Ivan Solomon and Perengary Sasha. 3rd was Grant Cooke and Grassvalley Moss.
 Simon Leaning and Marionvale Fang, blocking a break. 
Fang again, dealing with an uncoperative sheep. 
Andrew Gortons Just Sam.  Greg Dorrells Ramulam Emma.
 Gordon Curtis's Binnaburra Johnny.
Proving that an injury is not enough to keep some people off the trial ground, is Ray Sutherland and Swagman Cyndi, WA's oldest trialler. 
The backdrop for the trial, with Mike Scott and Torbay Badger. 
Marriane Rogers Christies Cocoacina, trying to sort out one of the crossbreds. 
Jane Dorrell and Rocky Dusty at the race. 
Ivan Solomons Perengary Sasha, holding her ground. 
Some scenery with Neil Eastough and Grassvalley Tinky, heading for the pen. And for something different. A demo on how to get a new fridge into your caravan. Yes, apparantly the only way is through the window. Greg and Phill Dorrel doing the lifting while Jane steadies things up from inside. 
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