Ongerup Arena

Ongerup Arena. June 22-25th.

Ongerup trial is usually run in summer, but as the area was in flood at the time it was postponed to winter. Ironically for this trial, it was terribly dry and feed very scarce.

The weather on Thursday was quite pleasant, but Friday bought with it some light but welcome rain and freezing winds that seemed to penetrate clothing with ease. Most of us sat huddled in our cars for the rest of the weekend and braved the conditions to run our dogs. In the evening everyone enjoyed Tim Foster’s huge fire drum in the shearing shed.

The sheep were young merinos that did not like dogs at all. They refused to enter the obstacles and would split up and race off in different directions. Dogs and handler's alike were frustrated with them. They were almost full wool which didn't help much as they could not see the dog unless it was right in front of them. There were only a handful of pens for the whole weekend.

However they were the same for everyone and a few dogs managed to handle them. Many people only got as far as the first obstacle and the scores reflect how difficult they were.

In the novice there were 54 entries and 8 scores, in the Imp 53 entries and 4 scores and in the Open, 64 dogs and 17 scores. The ringoff system was used for all events.

Results.

Novice, judged by Jane Dorrell.

1st. Ken Atherton. Boylee Pick. 49+43=92.

2nd. Carolyn Bell. Bellview Max. 72+X=72.

3rd. Jenny Whitelock. Jensown Microchip. 53+RTD=53

4th. Jenny Whitelock. Boylee Talent. 48.

=5th Jenny Whitelock. Jensown Joy. 47.

=5th. Dave Lacey. Akoonah Joe. 47

=7th. Helen Svalbe. Booninning Swag. 46. Kelpie.

=7th Jenny Nolan. Nolans Chad. 46.

Improver, judged by Carolyn Bell.

1st. Gordon Curtis. Kumbark Tina. 49+45=94. Kelpie.