The winner S Kear with Gatekeeper Joy
The AV Novice stake was held at the Lyneal Wood shoot near Ellesmere by kind invitation of Mr & Mrs Alan Russon. Judges Mr Jeremy Organ and Mr John Semmens had a full card of 16 dogs to sort out.
Runners were really tested on their drive and hunting ability in the heavy braken cover, not helped by the unseasonally warm weather conditions. The retrieves were completed in good order on Pheasant with one woodcock and a rabbit for variety.
Such was the high standard that the judges were able to award all prizes and four Certificates of Merit.
Winners were:
1st S Kear with "Gatekeeper Joy", an English Springer bitch owned and bred by J Stenner.
2nd D Pope with "Drury Satin" a Cocker Spaniel bitch.
3rd D Horseman with " Cornmarsh Kennies Girl" an ESS bitch
4th K Jones with "Coedcollen Ivy" an ESS bitch
Certificates of merit went to Dan Shotton "Cleeburf Flame"
Darren Skidmore( also Guns Choice) with "Moelfamau Whirlwind"
B Randell "Beggarbush Sark" and R Lewis " Burntwood Briar".
