Novice AV Retriever Trial (held on 14th November 2019)
A Day to remember
In spite of some very testing conditions, with rain and sleet all day, spirits stayed high among the guns, competitors and estate staff at the Club’s Novice Retriever Stake on the Hall Estate, North Tawton. We were welcomed by Shoot manager Jeremy Boyd and Head-keeper Steve Snell who together with an excellent team of guns, led by Les Oldham, put plenty of good birds on the ground to keep the judges and competitors more than happy.
A few birds were picked from grass fields but most had to be hunted for in woodland. Seven competitors went through to the final round.
Our judges for the day were Nick Coates, Michael Brown, Bruce Ross-Smith and Martin Bagg. They were able to pick a clear winner when the two top dogs were asked to cross a deep gully to pick a bird from woodland – both dogs succeeded but Clare Baker’s Arklebear Caribou did so without breaking stride.
Our two guests from Germany enjoyed the day, but no more so than when we returned to the Great Hall for a warm-up and drinks in front of a roaring open fire.
Awards :
1st – Arcklebear Caribou – Clare Baker
2nd – Copperbirch Cabernet of Tallamelie – Phil Dyson
3rd – Polihale Grizzly Bear of Foxcote – Jill Gardner
Certificates Of Merit :
Winbeck Loyal Kinsman of Tanderswell, Margaret Allen
Danescombe Omega, Rob Wilmott
Duchess Pepper, Killy Penell
Thanks go to : Jeremy, Jo, Steve and the beating team for looking after us all so well, to the judges, the guns and our sponsors Skinners and BASC.
The team of guns enjoy some hot soup after their second drive.
Killy Pennell sends Duchess Pepper for a retrieve………..
…………. which makes a rapid return with a hen bird
Our two guests from Germany watch the dogs at work
The guns recall the day, while Keith Sandercock warms his nether regions in front of the roaring open fire.
Award winners and judges, overlooked by some interested spectators, (left to right) Rob Wilmott, Margaret Allen, Michael
Brown, Bruce Ross-Smith, Nick Coates, Clare Baker, Martin Bagg, Phil Dyson and Jill Gardener