What a fantastic International Gundog Competition
Compliments to the organisers, judges, helpers and all concerned for delivering such a wonderfully organised event.
England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, each running 5 Retrievers and 5 Spaniels per team, and the International teams of 10 dogs, being marked out of a potentially maximum score of 1,200 points.
The competition as always was fierce over the two days, but the camaraderie, sportsmanship and atmosphere was one of the best experiences ever, a real credit and advert for our sport. After running 10 dogs each England ran out overall winners, 22 points behind England were Ireland in second place, and only 5 points separated Ireland and Wales, in third place. Scotland were in fourth place overall.
The International course was extremely well laid out causing all sort of challenges for both Retrievers and Spaniels who competed
The Game Fair proved to be the best result for Welsh Spaniels since 2006. In a very close competition Wales ran out winners, with England 8 points behind in second, Ireland were third, 7 points behind England, with Scotland in fourth.
The Wales Spaniel Team were superb:
- David Gregory running Hillfighter Thresher and Draigoch Ella
- Aled Jones running Barcudwen Molly and Barcudwen Mambo
- Nathan Quinn running Tynywaun Beartrix
In addition Nathan ran out as Overall Top Spaniel in his first Game Fair, a fantastic achievement. This brilliant result was achieved despite losing two of our selected spaniels, having come into season the day before we travelled to the Game Fair.
The Retriever Team ran out in third place overall with England Retrievers worthy winners, 15 points behind England were Ireland in second and Wales in third place 20 points after Ireland with Scotland in fourth place:
- Haydn Willmott with Stykes Boy Llangynidr
- Andrew Fisher with Kaliture Rooster
- Vikki Stanley with Minstead Maigret
- Alan Rees with Fendawood Ecclestone at Delfryd
- Nigel Probert with Stauntonvale Buckwheat of Llangynidr
The team and their travelling supporters were delighted to have Ceri and Phil of CSJ present at the weekend’s event. Their continued support and sponsorship is very much appreciated by us all.
In concluding I would like to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to each and every one that have been involved with the Wales International Gundog Team this year. A big thank you for all your hard work and efforts!
Diolch yn Fawr
Alan Rees (Wales Captain)
