And we are back…. After 2 years without a test at Grangewaters it was fabulous to welcome friends old and new onto the site.

I wasn’t sure quite what level of applications to expect, as it turned out entries were lower than normal for us, with a total of 34 swims across the weekend, most of which were at the lower levels.

With the numbers that we had, I elected to use just the one swim, which helped to ensure that we didn’t over stretch our stewarding resources.

At the higher levels we had some terrific passes, clearly some have taken advantage of lock-down to practice their skills.

On the Saturday, we undertook the E test, followed by C, and then A . The 1st test back after 2 years, and one of the best E passes to have been undertaken at Grangewater was a fabulous pass for team Wabana. ( Stovin + Davey)

At C we then had 2 passes, one of which being Nukkaq.( Stovin + Davey again).

At A all entrants passed, with the exception of two youngsters new to the game. I’m sure they will come good by next season.

Sunday was by far the quieter day, with just the one D entry – which passed – well done team Deckard with Jane.. .

Of the 11 B entries there were just the two passes – unfortunately the controlled swim was the main exercise to trip teams up – perhaps all the social distancing over the last 2 years hasn’t helped teams stay in close contact ? More work required.

Of course, in order to achieve a clean sweep for our Southern friends, it relied upon Ronnie Chadwick and Ellee to pass B, which of course they duly did.

Across the weekend the weather was kind, a little breezy on the Saturday but Sunday the sun shone gloriously and remained dry all weekend.

To our Judges, the stewards, our entrants, and those guests who came along to observe, thank-you for your support over the weekend, it was great to all be able to get back to it, and fabulous to see the dogs so enjoying themselves.

Thank you very much for asking me to judge along side Jeff, the sun was shining and we had a good day, We had 11 entries but unfortunately only 2 passes, There were some very nice tries that were not quiet there, Shame that some of the handlers didn't go out for their own dogs instead of using a stranger.