THERE was a nail-biting open final - with one point between first and second place - at the Pingelly sheep dog trials earlier this month.
Hosted by the Esperance and Districts Working Sheep Dog Club, the three sheep arena trial was held over four days at the club's new facility.
Trial workers and spectators were treated to ideal weather conditions, as the rain stayed at bay and made for an enjoyable day.
The trial attracted 180 entries over the three main classes and all competitors had a fair and equal chance to showcase and test the abilities of their dogs in excellent trial sheep.
Yellow tag lambs were provided by the Lang family for the novice and improver classes and purple tag wethers from the McBurnie family for the open class and final.
There were only two escapees over the 180 runs, which could be thanks to the newly erected fence at the back of the ground - sponsored by the Pingelly Shire and erected with the support of the Pingelly Tourism Group.
Winner of the novice class was R Cassidy, Gidgegannup, with Nolans Sharna on 94 points, while second place went to D Lacey, Waroona, with Akoonah Roxie 88pts, while N Kristiansen, Geraldton, took home third place with Badgingarra Oscar 81pts and T Herbert was fourth place with Marionvale Tess 76pts.
In the improver class, S Leaning, Mt Helena, took home the win with the help of his dog Marionvale Di, 89pts.
Meanwhile, N Lloyd, Beverley, with Kumbark Ace 85pts, P Gorman, Muchea, with Pendalup Lucy 83pts and D Lacey, Waroona, with Farnham Will 82, claimed the minor placings.
There was very few points separating placings in the open final, which was won by D Lacey, Waroona, with a combined score over two runs of 187pts with Brands Hatch Tusker.
Second place was presented to I Solomon, Brookton, with Perangerry Trish 186pts, third place to D Lacey, Waroona, with Akoonah Holly 183pts and fourth to N Lloyd, Beverley, with Kumbark Lexie 182pts.
Esperance and Districts Working Sheep Dog Club secretary Jill Wallace said the results showed the excellent calibre of dogs being produced on the trial ground by the club's working sheep dog enthusiasts.
The club is set to host its next trial at Pingelly from July 14-17.
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