Last Updated on March 9, 2014 : :

ISCGB NOVICE FIELD TRIAL 08/10/2004

 Coates Marsh Farm, Carlton

 Judges: Fred Alcock & John Naylor

 

The day began bright and cool after a little overnight rain. The North Easterly wind veered throughout the day. It was barely perceptible at first but it increased to light and was noticeable as the day progressed. Scenting conditions seemed reasonable but some dogs did struggle with retrieves. The cover consisted mostly of sugar beet with some stubble and game strips. Pheasant, partridge and hares were seen.

4th. Bryantscroft Wigeon, G.W.P. d, 2/4/02

This dog’s first run was in sugar beet and it hunted with a reasonable, free moving pace. It pointed and then drew on before pointing staunchly. The handler made sure he had the guns with him before he approached his dog. The dog was asked to produce and as soon as it moved forward a number of partridge flushed. Two guns fired both barrels but nothing was hit. The dog remained steady. The dog was asked to make good its ground and as it began to do so, more partridge flushed out on the left away from the dog, one of which was shot by the two outside guns. Although the handler was able to put the dog in the area of the fall, was allowed to change his position and was given plenty of time, the bird could not be found.

On its second run the dog was brought in for a simple retrieve on a partridge which it brought tenderly to hand after making quite hard work of being handled to the fall. It was then run across a piece of stubble as we approached a game strip and pointed on the edge of a ditch. Two partridge then lifted in front of the dog. Running on it began indicating when two more partridge lifted which took a large covey with them from a little further out. Entering the game strip the dog began indicating when two more partridge flushed and one was shot. It again made hard work of the retrieve but delivered a live bird tenderly to hand. I was particularly pleased with the way this dog carried its birds. It filled me with confidence that the game, when delivered, would be undamaged which I do feel merits comment.

The water test was completed satisfactorily although the handler was more confident about the entry than the dog.

This was a difficult day when the nature of the cover and distribution of birds meant some dogs were just not able to make contact with game. It was however a pleasant day and on behalf of Fred and myself I would like to thank The Italian Spinone Club of G.B. for the invitation to judge and to our host and guns for their efforts throughout the day. Particular thanks to Alix our chief steward for her pleasant efficiency and her catering and to the competitors for their forbearance under the conditions.

John Naylor