The Southern Interclub team event took place at the picturesque Isenhurst Estate, generously hosted by Clive and Gilly Nickols. Despite predictions of extremely hot weather earlier in the week, the day turned out to be pleasantly warm, complemented by a refreshing breeze.
Sixteen clubs from across Southern England attended the event, each vying for the prestigious Arun Downland Shield. In addition to the main team competition, awards were also presented for the highest scores in each of the three categories of dogs competing within each team.
Diana Stevens had set 5 excellent tests which included 3 tests over water for 1 or all of the dogs. They produced a range of scores as they were not necessarily as simple as they first appeared to be.
After the tests were completed there was a hog roast, strawberries and cream and Pimms!
Results:
1st – Southern Golden Retriever Society
Mary Hogg – Open; Charlotte Love – Novice & Jane Edwards – Nd/NH
2nd – Isle of Wight Gundog club
Ben Starns – Open; Sarah Cox – Novice & Steve Hobbs – ND/NH
3rd – Southern Eastern Gundog Society
John Scott – Open; Carly Madgwick – Novice & Tracey Johnson – ND/NH
Top Dog – John Scott with Abbotsann Firefly
Top Novice – Amy Jobson with Bellaroyal’s Fire Cracker
Top ND/NH – Simon Ascott with Briwed Unsung Hero
Guns Choice – Jane edwards with Rothaygarth Sovereign
Our sincere thanks go out to
- Clive and Gilly for allowing us to use their wonderful land
- Our brilliant judges; John Stubbs, Alan Buckland, Colin Pelham, Kelvin Nettleingham and Mandy Smith
- Di Stevens for setting some great tests
- Muntjac Trading for donating prizes for all award winners
- Gamekeepers Goods; Acme whistles, Bella & Duke, Brown Bag Crisps, Skinners for goody bag items
- Skinners for certificates
- Jenny Cleaver for engraving the glass trophies for the category winners
- All the wonderful helpers who gave up their time to make it happen.
