Article and Photos by Nan Lloyd

Mayanup Sheep dog club hosted the first Yard and Utility trial for the year at Tarwonga, about 35 kms south of Williams on the Albany Highway.

The weather was a little too warm on the first two days of the trial but cooled down for the last two days. There was also some rain, with a very chilly morning on the Sunday.

The sheep were very big woolly three year old wethers, and could be tough going at times. Outside they were not too bad, but were a bit of a struggle for the weaker dogs. They were hard to get through the obstacles as they would rather turn and face the dog than go anywhere and if pressured would split.

Only a few people managed to pen them.

In the yards they were a bit tougher especially on the big gathers. Pressure was required to yard them but too much and they could break fast and head back to the gate. The calmer dogs handled them better in the yard, they did not like being hassled too much. Due to their size, if they turned around in the race it was difficult to get them facing the right way, so a few top runs came unstuck there. They were quite good in the truck but very jumpy in the smaller yard leading up to it.

They provided a great challenge though and everyone had a good chance to work them.

It was a well run trial with everyone pitching in to help out. The BBQ in the evening is always a highlight and a chance to commiserate on the runs of the day, discuss dogs from years ago, and talk about our future stars.

Robyn Atherton receiving an honorary membership for service, presented by Alan Dunn

Novice Utility
Judged by Rod Forsyth (Rod judged by Karyn Buller & Gordon Curtis)

1	Karyn Buller	Boonining Maisy (K)	63
2	Ken Atherton	Ramulam Prickles (K)	60
3	Blake Robinson	Ramulam Kick (K)	59
4	Simon Leaning	Marionvale Andy (BC)	57
5	Jason Crockford	Wyndora Pippa (K)	56
6	Gordon Curtis	Binnaburra Buz (K)	54
7	Jason Crockford	Wyndora Dusty (K)	53
=8	Blake Robinson	Ed (K)	52
=8	Ken Atherton	Ramulam Charlie (K)	52
10	Simon Leaning	Marionvale Di (BC)	51

Open Utility
Judged by Simon Leaning (Simon judged by Nan Lloyd & Gordon Curtis)

1	Gordon Curtis	Whites Joe (K)	79	76	155
2	Tanya de Bijl	Daleview Walley (BC)	68	66	134
3	Simon Leaning	Marionvale Lad (BC)	62	63	125
4	Rod Forsyth	Kumbark Todd (K)	58	60	118
5	Blake Robinson	Nap (K)	65	48	113
6	Simon Leaning	Marinvale Di (BC)	60	52.5	112.5
=7	Gordon Curtis	Kumbark Indi (K)	57	54	111
=7	Tanya de Bijl	Ramulam Secret (K)	63	48	111
9	Nan Lloyd	Kumbark Ace (K)	74	36	110
10	Blake Robinson	Ramulam Kick (K)	63	45	108
11	Gordon Curtis	Kumbark Tina (K)	60	38	98
12	Tanya de Bijl	Daleview Scout (BC)	59	30	89
13	Karyn Buller	Boco Louie (K)	58	LS	58

LS = Lost Sheep

Novice Yard
Judged by Allan Dunn (Allan judged by Gordon Curtis & Ken Atherton)

1	Gordon Curtis	Kumbark Scotty (K)	97
2	Ken Atherton	Ramulam Fella (K)	95
3	Ken Atherton	Ramulam Charlie (K)	94
4	Simon Leaning	Marionvale Di (BC)	93
5	Blake Robinson	Ed (K)	92
6	Tanya de Bijl	Ramulam Secret (K)	91
7	Nan Lloyd	Binnaburra Merlin (K)	89
8	Blake Robinson	Ramulam Kick (K)	88
9	Shelby Harries	Waterlea Tas (K)	87
10	Tony Boyle	Boylee Gus (BC)	81

Improver Yard
Judged by Ken Atherton (Ken judged by Gordon Curtis & Richard McGuire)

1	Shelby Harries	Waterlea Tas (K)	76	65	141
2	Nan Lloyd	Binnaburra Merlin (K)	76	62	138
3	Alan Dunn	Small Change (K)	72	65	137
4	Blake Robinson	Ramulam Kick (K)	89	48	137
5	Simon Leaning	Marionvale Lad (BC)	85	49	134
6	Ken Atherton	Ramulam Charlie (K)	72.5	59	131.5
7	Tara Herbert	Marionvale Tess (K)	64		64
8	Simon Leaning	Marionvale DI (BC)	59		59
9	Hayden Harries	Olboa Dude (K)	58		58
10	Gordon Curtis	Kumbark Scotty (K)	53		53

Open Yard
Judged by Ken Atherton (Ken judged by Gordon Curtis & Richard McGuire)

1	Alan Dunn	Gogetta Thor (K)	80	96	176
2	Nan Lloyd	Kumbark Ace (K)	85	89	174
3	Simon Leaning	Marionvale Lad (BC)	85	77	162
4	Rod Forsyth	Kumbark Tod (K)	78	80	158
5	Simon Leaning	Marionvale Chip (K)	74	82	156
6	Blake Robinson	Nap (K)	73	82	155
7	Tanya de Bijl	Daleview Walley (BC)	84	70	154
8	Karyn Buller	Boco Louie (K)	54	78	132
9	Hayden Harries	Olboa Dude (K)	58	40	98
10	Ken Ahterton	Ramulam Punch (K)	62	RTD	62
11	Jim Harradine	Dryandra Bridie (BC)	55	DQ	55
12	Tony Boyle	Boylee Sugar (BC)	34	LS	34