The AV Retriever stake was held on the now familiar ground at Acton Round Hall, Bridgnorth by kind invitation of Mr & Mrs Hew Kennedy and the shooting syndicate.

Judges Mr Terry Dukes, Dennis Heath, Glenys Caldwell and Susan Hutton had a full card of 12 dogs running. The weather was well nigh perfect, fine and cool with a slight breeze.

The beaters headed off for the first drive and the judges split the dogs into two groups for the drive, with all dogs in the line, as a test of steadiness. Several dogs made short work of their retrieves on Pheasant and we moved onto a Duck drive. This posed some longer retrieves and some work required in hedges and ditches on the perimeter of the banks. Such was the standard that after the third drive only four dogs had been put out. Three more drives followed with the guns out in roots so meaning some good hunting was required to bring the birds to hand. At this stage there were still four dogs in contention with high marks and any of them would have been worthy winners. There was a short but intense final drive in woodland after which the judges closed their books and we returned to the yard to announce the results. For the first time this year the splendid "Artistry" silver trophy was awarded to the winner.

1st Lowforge Enrica of Labdom, Lab bitch, bred by Mr A J Whelan and owned/handled by Mr W Mitchell from Todmorden, Lancs.

2nd and Guns Choice. Frostfields Bramble, Lab bitch, owned/handled by Mr K Carty from Whitchurch, Shrops.

3rd Oakvalley Black Jack, Lab dog, bred by P & M Jennings and owned/handled by Mr R Corbett from Worthing, W Sussex.

4th Levenghyl Puffin of Corsemalzie, Lab bitch, bred by Mr P N Bates and owned by Mr D Probert and C Goodess, handled by D Probert.

To mark the fact that this was going to be the last trial as a judge for Dennis Heath a small momento dog model was presented as thanks from Shropshire Gundog Society.